Reporter Brian Nearing reports that New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to revamp the Brownfield Tax Credit program to curb abuses and target hard-hit areas where projects might not otherwise be built. 

Reporter Scott Waldman reports that state DEC Commissioner Joe Martens says that in the face of state budget cuts, his agency will shift people and resources in order to ensure the priorities are covered. However, two former D.E.C. commissioners worry that the agency will not be able to police the state’s environmental beat

The Press-Republican editorial board writes that Congressman Bill Owens has proven to be dedicated to the North Country and committed to finding bi-partisan solutions and thoughtful in his decisions. 

Reporter Chris Knight reports that plans for redevelopment and expansion of the only commercial marina on Lower Saranac Lake have been submitted to the Harrietstown Planning Board.
 

Reporter David Sommerstein reports that while the people who run New York’s department of agriculture and markets tend to have close ties with the state’s huge dairy industry, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has broken that mold in his nomination of Richard Ball, a Schoharie county vegetable farmer, to the post of agriculture commissioner. 

Reporter Bill Chappell reports that members of the House and Senate have reached a bipartisan agreement on a five-year farm bill that will end months of uncertainty for farmers and agriculture workers 

Reporter Andy Flynn reports that state Department of Transportation officials will hold a public information meeting on Thursday about the replacement of the Route 86 bridge over the West Branch of the AuSable River. 

Reporter Michael Anich reports that newly proposed state Department of Environmental Conservation regulations that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species at DEC boat launches would affect local waterways.
 

A staff report notes that the state has released a recreation management plan to increase public access to nearly 19,000 acres of conservation easement land in the Adirondacks formerly owned by International Paper.