The EXCEL project may be completely covered by NYS, but doesn’t that money really come from my pocket?
Yes, it does. Similar to other state funds, EXCEL Aid ultimately comes from income and sales tax paid by New York residents and businesses. EXCEL funding was set aside in the 2006-07 state budget and will be spent whether or not Queensbury’s proposed referendum is approved. If the proposed project is approved, it will mean that more of your state tax dollars will be spent locally to make improvements to District facilities. EXCEL Aid is set-aside funding that we lose if we don’t apply for it. We have a responsibility to the taxpayers to maximize sources of funding for which we are entitled. Our eligibility for EXCEL Aid is a big incentive to move ahead with this project.
