Article 19-F
ARTICLE 19-F RURAL AFFAIRS ACT
Section 480. Declaration of purpose.
481. Definitions.
482. State office of rural affairs.
483. General functions, powers and duties.
484. Assistance of other state agencies.
485. Functions, powers and duties of other departments and state agencies.
486. Comprehensive grant information.
487. Implementation of services.
488. Participation of federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations.
489. Temporary assignment or permanent transfer of personnel.
490. Reports to the governor and the legislature.
491. Contract authority.
§ 480. Declaration of purpose. The legislature finds and determines that:
1. The public perception of the state's rural regions has been characterized by inaccurate awareness or understanding; therefore many existing laws, regulations, policies and programs have not completely addressed the real needs of people living within the state's rural environs.
2. The state's rural territory is vast in size, exceptionally diverse, possesses abundant natural and cultural resources, and, together with its economic, human and community resources, contributes greatly to the quality and maintenance of life of all people of the state, and hence to a healthier, more prosperous state.
3. The state's rural areas are decentralized and unique; their enhancement and protection require special attention in order to effectively address distinct rural conditions, needs, and strengths.
4. Improvement in the well-being of individuals and families in the state's rural areas has, in many instances, been unbalanced, and characterized by a growing inequality or relative deprivation. Additionally, such indispensable community needs as transportation; housing; public facilities; business and industry; education and culture; governmental and environmental management; health and human services; require further study and state action if proper responses to unique rural needs are to be developed.
5. The state has demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of rural localities and has attempted to preserve the viability and quality of life in rural areas. Such commitments to rural preservation and development have to be continued and broadened to encompass a wide range of rural endeavors.
6. Federal, state, and local resources and individual effort available to address rural needs are often isolated and limited to individual symptoms of blight and deterioration. Related programs are frequently inaccessible to rural residents they are designed to serve. The placement of such programs within the various organizational structures is indistinct and many rural localities have inadequate numbers of managerial, professional or technical personnel to pursue such assistance. Additionally, many public and private agencies also lack adequate staffing to adapt programs and services to the special needs and requirements of rural citizens and their environs. This situation has contributed to a growing confusion and disintegrating force that discourages coordinated individual policy and program development and delivery of services intended to address the needs of rural localities and citizens. Consequently, the energies and resources of the many individual federal, state, and local, and public and private initiatives that could help answer rural needs and capitalize on the strengths of rural areas, are often frustrated or diminished in their effect.
7. An important role and challenge for state government, therefore, is to get diverse groups to work together for the betterment of rural New York, and to combine their efforts in imaginative ways to the end that all regions of the state may always offer the highest possible quality of life, cultural and material standards of living, without sacrificing individual freedom or responsibility. The legislature believes that such individual efforts can be significantly enhanced, and support and sustain each other in the public interest; and many useful and innovative responses to rural needs will be possible, if a more focused and coordinated interdisciplinary approach for addressing rural problems and opportunities is made available through state government.
8. The development of proper responses to rural needs, including the capability to anticipate and respond to individual needs on a broad scale, would also be promoted if a more sharply defined rural affairs avenue within state government was made available to policymakers. Specifically, the legislature seeks to amplify the efforts of existing agencies and individuals who are interested in such rural policy areas as human services and community life; health care; education; business, economic development, and employment; agriculture; environment, land use, and natural resources; transportation; community facilities, housing, and community revitalization; local government and management.
9. No permanent state agency has been specifically created, empowered and funded to promote, harmonize or assist such efforts of existing agencies and individuals that address the unique needs, conditions, and strengths of rural areas of the state. It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to create a state office of rural affairs. The agency shall serve as a one-stop contact point for rural governments, service providers, state and federal agencies, and for individuals interested in rural policies and programs of the state; and strive to promote cooperative and integrated efforts among such agencies and programs that are designed to address rural needs; and shall recommend to the governor and the legislature the suitable use of policies, programs, long-range plans, laws and regulatory mechanisms in order to meet such needs.
§ 481. Definitions. When used in this article:
1. "Office" means the state office of rural affairs created by this article.
2. "Director" means the chief administrative officer of the state office of rural affairs.
3. "State agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the state, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by the laws of the state.
4. "Federal agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the federal government, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by federal statute.
5. "Local agency" means any municipality, or office or department thereof or not-for-profit organization created for the purposes of enhancing the quality of life and revitalization of rural areas.
6. "Municipality" means any county, city, town, village, or school district.
7. "Rural areas" means counties within the state having less than two hundred thousand population, and the municipalities, individuals, institutions, communities, programs and such other entities or resources as are found therein. In counties of two hundred thousand or greater population, "rural areas" means towns with population densities of one hundred fifty persons or less per square mile, and the villages, individuals, institutions, communities, programs and such other entities or resources as are found therein.
8. "Rural development and revitalization" shall mean those policies, programs, laws, regulations, or other matters having to do with rural areas including, but not limited to, human services and community life; health care; education; business, economic development, and employment; agriculture; environment, land use, and natural resources; transportation; community facilities, housing; and local government services and management.
§ 482. State office of rural affairs. 1. There is hereby created in the executive department an office of rural affairs. The head of the office shall be the director of rural affairs who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and who shall hold office at the pleasure of the governor. The director shall receive an annual salary to be fixed by the governor within the amount available therefor by appropriation. He shall also be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him in the performance of his duties. The director may appoint such officers and employees, agents, consultants, and special committees as he or she may deem necessary, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation and provide for reimbursement of their expenses within amounts available therefor by appropriation.
2. The director shall prepare and submit annually, on or before February first, a comprehensive report, pursuant to section four hundred ninety of this article.
3. The governor shall direct that all state agencies provide the director with assistance in advancing the purpose of the office and to assure that the activities of the office are fully coordinated with the activities of state agencies providing related services.
§ 483. General functions, powers and duties. The state office of rural affairs by and through the director or his duly authorized officers and employees, shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
1. To serve as a clearinghouse and provide comprehensive information relating to rural development and revitalization upon request to any agency, individual or corporation.
2. To advise and assist agencies, individuals and corporations in answering particular rural revitalization and development needs; including cooperative efforts among such agencies, individuals, and corporations to solve common problems or provide services in rural areas.
3. To receive notification from all state and federal agencies, individuals or corporations engaged in rural development and revitalization of program descriptions, appropriation data, and application procedures. The office shall maintain a listing of existing programs and advise local agencies, individuals or corporations of their existence.
4. To assist, upon request, applicant local agencies, individuals or corporations located in rural areas in obtaining timely and efficient responses from state and federal agencies; to assist such applicants in consideration of alternative program grant strategies; to assist state and federal agencies in cooperative approaches to address the needs of such applicants; and to provide technical assistance to agencies in formulating and implementing rural development and revitalization programs.
5. To review application procedures formulated by state agencies and to recommend improvements designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of such procedures for rural revitalization and development efforts; and to enhance the probability such procedures will benefit rural areas.
6. To encourage the assistance of the private sector in effectuating rural development and revitalization.
7. To provide legal consultation concerning local government matters to officials of municipalities located in rural areas on a wide range of problems and programs, including the exercise of home rule powers, reapportionment of local legislative bodies, drafting and revising of local laws including charters, and drafting and implementing of municipal cooperation agreements. All such assistance shall be advisory in nature, and shall not include the actual drafting of final legal documents or the provision of actual legal representation.
8. To assist the governor and the legislature in the integration and formulation of state rural development and revitalization policy and long-range plans for rural areas and in answering needs related thereto.
9. To facilitate efforts of local agencies, individuals and corporations in developing cooperative responses to rural needs. Personnel of the office shall be available to participate in an advisory capacity at local meetings exploring such cooperative agreements; and shall assist in the identification of appropriate state agencies and personnel who may be instrumental in facilitating such efforts.
10. To provide legal advice and assistance concerning rural development and revitalization matters to officials of the executive department and the legislature; and to analyze and make recommendations concerning proposed new state legislation or programs that may affect rural areas.
11. To apply for and receive, consistent with appropriation, notification, and approval requirements of the state finance law, grants or financial assistance from the federal government or other approved agencies, individuals or corporations.
12. To adopt such rules and regulations, procedures, instructions, and forms as are required to carry out the functions, powers and duties imposed upon the office by this article.
13. To assist the governor in coordinating the activities and services of those departments and agencies of the state having relationships with local rural agencies, individuals and corporations in order to provide more effective service to them and to simplify state procedures relating thereto.
14. To keep the governor informed about the problems and needs of agencies, individuals and corporations that are involved with rural development and revitalization; and to assist in formulating policies with respect thereto and utilizing the resources of the executive branch of the state government for the benefit of rural areas.
15. To refer local agencies, individuals and corporations to the appropriate departments and agencies of the state and federal governments for advice, assistance, and available services in connection with particular rural development and revitalization problems or needs.
16. To develop pilot programs or projects and make studies and analyses of the problems or needs of rural areas and to make the results thereof available for the benefit of such agencies as the director may deem appropriate.
17. To encourage the expansion and improvement of in-service training opportunities and to make information available to officials of local agencies in rural areas on matters pertaining to rural development and revitalization.
18. To consult with and cooperate with agencies and officers, organizations, groups, and individuals representing rural areas or doing rural development and revitalization in such manner as the director may determine will effectively carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the office.
19. To do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions, powers, and duties expressly set forth in this section.
§ 484. Assistance of other state agencies. To effectuate the purposes of this article, the director may request and shall be entitled to receive from any state agency, and the same are authorized to provide, such assistance, service, facilities, and data as will enable the office to carry out its functions, powers and duties, and such temporarily or permanently assigned personnel as the director of the budget may approve.
§ 485. Functions, powers and duties of other departments and state agencies. Nothing contained in this article shall be deemed to derogate or detract in any way from the functions, powers, or duties prescribed by law of any other department of the state or to interrupt or preclude the direct relationship of any such department or agency with local agencies, individuals or corporations for the carrying out of such functions, powers or duties.
§ 486. Comprehensive grant information. 1. The office shall request such specific information as the director determines to be necessary concerning assistance programs and grants administered by federal, state and local agencies, individuals and corporations designed to enhance rural areas. Such information shall be used to advise local agencies, individuals or corporations for the purpose of promoting coordination in program or grant efforts wherever feasible or proper.
2. Any applicant requesting program grants or assistance in order to address rural development and revitalization needs, conditions or strengths in rural areas may, pursuant to the rules of the director, confer with the office to obtain assistance in the prompt and efficient processing and review of applications.
3. The office shall, so far as possible, render such assistance; and the director may designate an officer or employee of the office to act as an expeditor for the purpose of:
(a) Facilitating contacts for the applicant with state, federal, or local agencies, individuals or corporations responsible for processing and reviewing grant applications;
(b) Arranging conferences to clarify the interest and requirements of any such agency, individual or corporation with respect to grant applications;
(c) Considering with the agency, individual or corporation the feasibility of consolidating hearings and data required of the applicant;
(d) Assisting the applicant in the resolution of outstanding issues identified by the agency, individual or corporation, including delays experienced in application review; and
(e) Coordinating federal, state and local grant application review actions and assistance programs to the extent practicable.
§ 487. Implementation of services. 1. Services rendered by this office shall be made available without charge, provided that nothing contained herein shall relieve an applicant of any part of existing fees or charges established for the review and approval of grant applications by agencies, individuals or corporations.
2. Each state agency involved in the administration of a program grant or technical assistance effort designed to address rural development and revitalization needs in rural areas shall designate an officer or employee to act as program liaison officer to cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out the provisions of this article.
§ 488. Participation of federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations. 1. Federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations involved in the administration of a program grant or technical assistance effort for rural development and revitalization, shall be encouraged to participate in the assistance services of the office and to make information available to applicants through the office with respect to any related program, undertaking, project, or activity which is referred to the office under the provisions of this article.
2. The director shall consult with and seek assistance from officials of federal and local agencies or corporations with respect to coordinating assistance programs for rural areas and shall recommend to the governor and the legislature any policies or programs which would facilitate such coordination.
§ 489. Temporary assignment or permanent transfer of personnel. The director, in consultation with the head of the state agency involved and with the approval of the director of the budget, may provide for the temporary or permanent assignment or transfer of officers and employees of state agencies to the office. Employees permanently transferred shall be transferred without further examination or qualification and shall retain their respective civil service classification and status. Any employee who, at the time of such transfer, has a temporary or provisional appointment shall be transferred subject to the same right of removal, examination or termination as though such transfer had not been made. No existing right or benefit, including retirement benefits or remedy of any character, shall be lost, impaired or affected by reason of this article. The director of the budget shall be responsible for timely notification of all such assignments and transfers to the chairman of the senate finance committee and the chairman of the assembly ways and means committee. Transfer of employees pursuant to this article shall be governed solely and exclusively by the provisions hereof notwithstanding other provisions of the law.
§ 490. Reports to the governor and the legislature. The office shall hereafter make an annual report, to be received on or before February first, to the governor and the legislature concerning the assistance activities undertaken by the office, recommendations for legislative proposals, data concerning program activities in rural areas and other pertinent information which, in the opinion of the director, will indicate the activities conducted by the office in the previous year.
§ 491. Contract authority. The office is hereby empowered to enter into any agreement or contract with any private or public agencies, corporations or individuals necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this article.
Section 480. Declaration of purpose.
481. Definitions.
482. State office of rural affairs.
483. General functions, powers and duties.
484. Assistance of other state agencies.
485. Functions, powers and duties of other departments and state agencies.
486. Comprehensive grant information.
487. Implementation of services.
488. Participation of federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations.
489. Temporary assignment or permanent transfer of personnel.
490. Reports to the governor and the legislature.
491. Contract authority.
§ 480. Declaration of purpose. The legislature finds and determines that:
1. The public perception of the state's rural regions has been characterized by inaccurate awareness or understanding; therefore many existing laws, regulations, policies and programs have not completely addressed the real needs of people living within the state's rural environs.
2. The state's rural territory is vast in size, exceptionally diverse, possesses abundant natural and cultural resources, and, together with its economic, human and community resources, contributes greatly to the quality and maintenance of life of all people of the state, and hence to a healthier, more prosperous state.
3. The state's rural areas are decentralized and unique; their enhancement and protection require special attention in order to effectively address distinct rural conditions, needs, and strengths.
4. Improvement in the well-being of individuals and families in the state's rural areas has, in many instances, been unbalanced, and characterized by a growing inequality or relative deprivation. Additionally, such indispensable community needs as transportation; housing; public facilities; business and industry; education and culture; governmental and environmental management; health and human services; require further study and state action if proper responses to unique rural needs are to be developed.
5. The state has demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of rural localities and has attempted to preserve the viability and quality of life in rural areas. Such commitments to rural preservation and development have to be continued and broadened to encompass a wide range of rural endeavors.
6. Federal, state, and local resources and individual effort available to address rural needs are often isolated and limited to individual symptoms of blight and deterioration. Related programs are frequently inaccessible to rural residents they are designed to serve. The placement of such programs within the various organizational structures is indistinct and many rural localities have inadequate numbers of managerial, professional or technical personnel to pursue such assistance. Additionally, many public and private agencies also lack adequate staffing to adapt programs and services to the special needs and requirements of rural citizens and their environs. This situation has contributed to a growing confusion and disintegrating force that discourages coordinated individual policy and program development and delivery of services intended to address the needs of rural localities and citizens. Consequently, the energies and resources of the many individual federal, state, and local, and public and private initiatives that could help answer rural needs and capitalize on the strengths of rural areas, are often frustrated or diminished in their effect.
7. An important role and challenge for state government, therefore, is to get diverse groups to work together for the betterment of rural New York, and to combine their efforts in imaginative ways to the end that all regions of the state may always offer the highest possible quality of life, cultural and material standards of living, without sacrificing individual freedom or responsibility. The legislature believes that such individual efforts can be significantly enhanced, and support and sustain each other in the public interest; and many useful and innovative responses to rural needs will be possible, if a more focused and coordinated interdisciplinary approach for addressing rural problems and opportunities is made available through state government.
8. The development of proper responses to rural needs, including the capability to anticipate and respond to individual needs on a broad scale, would also be promoted if a more sharply defined rural affairs avenue within state government was made available to policymakers. Specifically, the legislature seeks to amplify the efforts of existing agencies and individuals who are interested in such rural policy areas as human services and community life; health care; education; business, economic development, and employment; agriculture; environment, land use, and natural resources; transportation; community facilities, housing, and community revitalization; local government and management.
9. No permanent state agency has been specifically created, empowered and funded to promote, harmonize or assist such efforts of existing agencies and individuals that address the unique needs, conditions, and strengths of rural areas of the state. It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to create a state office of rural affairs. The agency shall serve as a one-stop contact point for rural governments, service providers, state and federal agencies, and for individuals interested in rural policies and programs of the state; and strive to promote cooperative and integrated efforts among such agencies and programs that are designed to address rural needs; and shall recommend to the governor and the legislature the suitable use of policies, programs, long-range plans, laws and regulatory mechanisms in order to meet such needs.
§ 481. Definitions. When used in this article:
1. "Office" means the state office of rural affairs created by this article.
2. "Director" means the chief administrative officer of the state office of rural affairs.
3. "State agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the state, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by the laws of the state.
4. "Federal agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the federal government, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by federal statute.
5. "Local agency" means any municipality, or office or department thereof or not-for-profit organization created for the purposes of enhancing the quality of life and revitalization of rural areas.
6. "Municipality" means any county, city, town, village, or school district.
7. "Rural areas" means counties within the state having less than two hundred thousand population, and the municipalities, individuals, institutions, communities, programs and such other entities or resources as are found therein. In counties of two hundred thousand or greater population, "rural areas" means towns with population densities of one hundred fifty persons or less per square mile, and the villages, individuals, institutions, communities, programs and such other entities or resources as are found therein.
8. "Rural development and revitalization" shall mean those policies, programs, laws, regulations, or other matters having to do with rural areas including, but not limited to, human services and community life; health care; education; business, economic development, and employment; agriculture; environment, land use, and natural resources; transportation; community facilities, housing; and local government services and management.
§ 482. State office of rural affairs. 1. There is hereby created in the executive department an office of rural affairs. The head of the office shall be the director of rural affairs who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and who shall hold office at the pleasure of the governor. The director shall receive an annual salary to be fixed by the governor within the amount available therefor by appropriation. He shall also be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him in the performance of his duties. The director may appoint such officers and employees, agents, consultants, and special committees as he or she may deem necessary, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation and provide for reimbursement of their expenses within amounts available therefor by appropriation.
2. The director shall prepare and submit annually, on or before February first, a comprehensive report, pursuant to section four hundred ninety of this article.
3. The governor shall direct that all state agencies provide the director with assistance in advancing the purpose of the office and to assure that the activities of the office are fully coordinated with the activities of state agencies providing related services.
§ 483. General functions, powers and duties. The state office of rural affairs by and through the director or his duly authorized officers and employees, shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
1. To serve as a clearinghouse and provide comprehensive information relating to rural development and revitalization upon request to any agency, individual or corporation.
2. To advise and assist agencies, individuals and corporations in answering particular rural revitalization and development needs; including cooperative efforts among such agencies, individuals, and corporations to solve common problems or provide services in rural areas.
3. To receive notification from all state and federal agencies, individuals or corporations engaged in rural development and revitalization of program descriptions, appropriation data, and application procedures. The office shall maintain a listing of existing programs and advise local agencies, individuals or corporations of their existence.
4. To assist, upon request, applicant local agencies, individuals or corporations located in rural areas in obtaining timely and efficient responses from state and federal agencies; to assist such applicants in consideration of alternative program grant strategies; to assist state and federal agencies in cooperative approaches to address the needs of such applicants; and to provide technical assistance to agencies in formulating and implementing rural development and revitalization programs.
5. To review application procedures formulated by state agencies and to recommend improvements designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of such procedures for rural revitalization and development efforts; and to enhance the probability such procedures will benefit rural areas.
6. To encourage the assistance of the private sector in effectuating rural development and revitalization.
7. To provide legal consultation concerning local government matters to officials of municipalities located in rural areas on a wide range of problems and programs, including the exercise of home rule powers, reapportionment of local legislative bodies, drafting and revising of local laws including charters, and drafting and implementing of municipal cooperation agreements. All such assistance shall be advisory in nature, and shall not include the actual drafting of final legal documents or the provision of actual legal representation.
8. To assist the governor and the legislature in the integration and formulation of state rural development and revitalization policy and long-range plans for rural areas and in answering needs related thereto.
9. To facilitate efforts of local agencies, individuals and corporations in developing cooperative responses to rural needs. Personnel of the office shall be available to participate in an advisory capacity at local meetings exploring such cooperative agreements; and shall assist in the identification of appropriate state agencies and personnel who may be instrumental in facilitating such efforts.
10. To provide legal advice and assistance concerning rural development and revitalization matters to officials of the executive department and the legislature; and to analyze and make recommendations concerning proposed new state legislation or programs that may affect rural areas.
11. To apply for and receive, consistent with appropriation, notification, and approval requirements of the state finance law, grants or financial assistance from the federal government or other approved agencies, individuals or corporations.
12. To adopt such rules and regulations, procedures, instructions, and forms as are required to carry out the functions, powers and duties imposed upon the office by this article.
13. To assist the governor in coordinating the activities and services of those departments and agencies of the state having relationships with local rural agencies, individuals and corporations in order to provide more effective service to them and to simplify state procedures relating thereto.
14. To keep the governor informed about the problems and needs of agencies, individuals and corporations that are involved with rural development and revitalization; and to assist in formulating policies with respect thereto and utilizing the resources of the executive branch of the state government for the benefit of rural areas.
15. To refer local agencies, individuals and corporations to the appropriate departments and agencies of the state and federal governments for advice, assistance, and available services in connection with particular rural development and revitalization problems or needs.
16. To develop pilot programs or projects and make studies and analyses of the problems or needs of rural areas and to make the results thereof available for the benefit of such agencies as the director may deem appropriate.
17. To encourage the expansion and improvement of in-service training opportunities and to make information available to officials of local agencies in rural areas on matters pertaining to rural development and revitalization.
18. To consult with and cooperate with agencies and officers, organizations, groups, and individuals representing rural areas or doing rural development and revitalization in such manner as the director may determine will effectively carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the office.
19. To do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the functions, powers, and duties expressly set forth in this section.
§ 484. Assistance of other state agencies. To effectuate the purposes of this article, the director may request and shall be entitled to receive from any state agency, and the same are authorized to provide, such assistance, service, facilities, and data as will enable the office to carry out its functions, powers and duties, and such temporarily or permanently assigned personnel as the director of the budget may approve.
§ 485. Functions, powers and duties of other departments and state agencies. Nothing contained in this article shall be deemed to derogate or detract in any way from the functions, powers, or duties prescribed by law of any other department of the state or to interrupt or preclude the direct relationship of any such department or agency with local agencies, individuals or corporations for the carrying out of such functions, powers or duties.
§ 486. Comprehensive grant information. 1. The office shall request such specific information as the director determines to be necessary concerning assistance programs and grants administered by federal, state and local agencies, individuals and corporations designed to enhance rural areas. Such information shall be used to advise local agencies, individuals or corporations for the purpose of promoting coordination in program or grant efforts wherever feasible or proper.
2. Any applicant requesting program grants or assistance in order to address rural development and revitalization needs, conditions or strengths in rural areas may, pursuant to the rules of the director, confer with the office to obtain assistance in the prompt and efficient processing and review of applications.
3. The office shall, so far as possible, render such assistance; and the director may designate an officer or employee of the office to act as an expeditor for the purpose of:
(a) Facilitating contacts for the applicant with state, federal, or local agencies, individuals or corporations responsible for processing and reviewing grant applications;
(b) Arranging conferences to clarify the interest and requirements of any such agency, individual or corporation with respect to grant applications;
(c) Considering with the agency, individual or corporation the feasibility of consolidating hearings and data required of the applicant;
(d) Assisting the applicant in the resolution of outstanding issues identified by the agency, individual or corporation, including delays experienced in application review; and
(e) Coordinating federal, state and local grant application review actions and assistance programs to the extent practicable.
§ 487. Implementation of services. 1. Services rendered by this office shall be made available without charge, provided that nothing contained herein shall relieve an applicant of any part of existing fees or charges established for the review and approval of grant applications by agencies, individuals or corporations.
2. Each state agency involved in the administration of a program grant or technical assistance effort designed to address rural development and revitalization needs in rural areas shall designate an officer or employee to act as program liaison officer to cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out the provisions of this article.
§ 488. Participation of federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations. 1. Federal and local agencies, individuals and corporations involved in the administration of a program grant or technical assistance effort for rural development and revitalization, shall be encouraged to participate in the assistance services of the office and to make information available to applicants through the office with respect to any related program, undertaking, project, or activity which is referred to the office under the provisions of this article.
2. The director shall consult with and seek assistance from officials of federal and local agencies or corporations with respect to coordinating assistance programs for rural areas and shall recommend to the governor and the legislature any policies or programs which would facilitate such coordination.
§ 489. Temporary assignment or permanent transfer of personnel. The director, in consultation with the head of the state agency involved and with the approval of the director of the budget, may provide for the temporary or permanent assignment or transfer of officers and employees of state agencies to the office. Employees permanently transferred shall be transferred without further examination or qualification and shall retain their respective civil service classification and status. Any employee who, at the time of such transfer, has a temporary or provisional appointment shall be transferred subject to the same right of removal, examination or termination as though such transfer had not been made. No existing right or benefit, including retirement benefits or remedy of any character, shall be lost, impaired or affected by reason of this article. The director of the budget shall be responsible for timely notification of all such assignments and transfers to the chairman of the senate finance committee and the chairman of the assembly ways and means committee. Transfer of employees pursuant to this article shall be governed solely and exclusively by the provisions hereof notwithstanding other provisions of the law.
§ 490. Reports to the governor and the legislature. The office shall hereafter make an annual report, to be received on or before February first, to the governor and the legislature concerning the assistance activities undertaken by the office, recommendations for legislative proposals, data concerning program activities in rural areas and other pertinent information which, in the opinion of the director, will indicate the activities conducted by the office in the previous year.
§ 491. Contract authority. The office is hereby empowered to enter into any agreement or contract with any private or public agencies, corporations or individuals necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this article.
