This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester). Earlier this year, the State Legislature passed legislation (A.7967/S.7117) sponsored by Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) in the Assembly and Senator Pam Helming in the Senate to allow Seneca County to modify the allocation of the existing hotel motel tax revenue collected by the County in order to fund more projects that support tourism, including, recreation, water and infrastructure. Now that the bill has been signed into law, it will take effect immediately.

“As home to Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, recently named the first State veterans cemetery, the birthplace of Memorial Day and host of the first women’s rights convention, Seneca County is truly a historic place. That rich history combined with the abundant natural resources and scenic beauty has led to a booming tourism industry in Seneca County,” stated Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan.

“Seneca County has worked over the last several decades to grow tourism and drive new job opportunities in this important sector. The expanded growth brings challenges, which is why the Seneca County Board of Supervisors requested special legislation to allow them to invest occupancy tax revenues into critical infrastructure, tourism promotion and water quality improvement.I was proud to work with Chairman Bob Hayssen, the Board of Supervisors and County Manager Mitch Rowe to deliver this legislation to give Seneca County more local control of the tax revenue it collects,” said Assemblyman Gallahan

“As a co-sponsor of this important legislation, I am pleased to see that Governor Hochul has signed it into law. By expanding the eligible projects the hotel motel tax money can be used for, the County will now be able to make necessary improvements to parks, recreational facilities and increase environmental conservation. This will positively impact the local economy by directly helping to increase and support tourism in Seneca County,” said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

“Seneca County is a top tourism destination in the Finger Lakes and New York State, rich in history, culture, recreation, world-class wineries, and so much more. We know how important the tourism industry is to the local economy, and how important strong infrastructure is to our communities. Thank you to Chairman Bob Hayssen and the Board of Supervisors, County Manager Mitch Rowe, and all those who work hard to make Seneca County a great place to live and visit,” said Senator Pam Helming.

“Seneca County is grateful to Assemblyman Gallahan for championing this legislation. Tourism is a critical part of our local and regional economy and being able to have broader flexibility to support this sector of our economy is so important. My colleagues on the Seneca County Board of Supervisors and I appreciate his willingness to introduce this legislation and see it to the finish line. We are also appreciative of his ongoing support to Seneca County,” said Robert Hayssen, Chairman of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors.