Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that will require any future long term financial agreements between the East Hampton Town Board and the Federal Aviation Administration to be subject to a permissive referendum, giving the community a voice on whether or not to accept federal funds and regulations as it relates to the East Hampton Airport.

Federal aviation grants can last up to 20 years, resulting in a long-term impact on the community when they are accepted. The new law addresses this commitment by entrusting authority to both the East Hampton Town Board as well as residents. First, it allows the Town Board to hold a permissive referendum when considering state or federal assistance for the town-owned East Hampton Airport. Secondly, it gives residents the right to petition the town for a referendum, should the Town Board accept a grant and withhold putting it out to a public vote. The petition must be signed by at least 5 percent of residents who voted in the last gubernatorial election and submitted within 30 days of the Board adopting the measure.

“I am pleased the Governor signed this measure which puts the decision-making power regarding FAA funds back into the hands of the community,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Town Board members have terms that last only four years. Therefore, it’s important that voters also have a say on these agreements that will impact them for years to come.”

Senator Ken LaValle said, “I fully support East Hampton’s efforts to make decisions concerning their own airport. The new enables the residents to decide by referendum whether to accept financial assistance from other levels of government. The new decision-making ability would enable the community of East Hampton to chart their own course.”

The law takes effect immediately.