Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) today announced a bill he authored became law, creating an authority to help build two parking garages in downtown Syracuse needed to accommodate expanding businesses and protect 1,500 jobs at Excellus and Hartford Insurance (Chap. 477 of 2003).

"In order to keep the business district in downtown Syracuse growing, we need to create adequate parking for an expanding workforce," Magnarelli said. "The parking authority will oversee the construction of two new garages that will help ensure workers are able to maintain access to their workplaces, and help Syracuse remain a competitive business location."

Magnarelli noted that similar authorities are created across the state when local municipalities need to take on large public infrastructure projects.

"This legislation will allow Syracuse to continue to grow and flourish, expanding businesses and creating employment opportunities," Magnarelli said. "I am pleased that the governor made the right decision by signing this bill into law."