As the 2007 Legislative Session comes to a close this week, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) looks forward to the passage of legislation that will open the door to financing for the Smithtown Library construction project. The Assemblyman introduced legislation that will allow Smithtown Library to fund the project through the Dormitory Authority of New York State.

“Currently, Smithtown Library is unable to avail themselves of Dormitory Authority financing,” said Fitzpatrick. “This legislation is critical to amending the statute to provide the library with the necessary assistance to improve existing infrastructure, and build the Nesconset branch in order to meet the needs of Smithtown residents.”

Assembly bill 417 amends New York state law to include the Smithtown Special Library District among the list of public libraries eligible to receive assistance and financing from the New York State Dormitory Authority. Providing state funded construction assistance would benefit local taxpayers by allowing the library to undertake construction projects in a cost-effective manner.

Currently, the Smithtown Library and its branches have identified space constraints and outdated technology as the underlying cause behind current service problems. Funding through the Dormitory Authority will help finance several construction projects throughout the district aimed at increasing floor space, updating technology, and increasing shelf area, including modifying an existing armory to accommodate a new branch for the Nesconset library.