After Joint Push: Schumer, Gillibrand, Bishop Announce Brookhaven National Lab Authorized to Increase Pilot Payments

Press Release

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Bishop today announced that, after their push, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will increase payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to $1.42 million. In July, the federal officials called on the Department of Energy (DOE) asking the agency to authorize that BNL make the full PILOT Payment for FY13. The authorized payment of $1.42 million is $160,000 more than last year's allocation.

"This is good news for residents in Brookhaven, who can now breathe a sigh of relief that decreased PILOT payments will not impact local services like fire districts and education programs," said Schumer. "I am pleased that the Department of Energy heeded our call and authorized BNL to increase its PILOT payment."

"This is terrific news for Brookhaven," said Gillibrand. "The Department of Energy's agreement to boost critical funds will help support local schools and fire districts throughout Brookhaven."

"It's a big win for Brookhaven Town taxpayers that BNL's pilot payment will increase this year, and I'm very pleased that our advocacy made the case that Brookhaven deserved more from the federal government," said Congressman Tim Bishop.

"The loss of the $1.4 million PILOT payment would have had a severe and immediate impact on the Town's current budget by way of layoffs and service cuts in order to protect the taxpayers," said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine. "I am pleased that the payment has been restored and I thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Bishop for leading the fight to get it done."

DOE is authorized to make PILOT payments on their property, in order to render financial assistance to the local governments and school districts. BNL and the Town of Brookhaven entered into an agreement for PILOT payments on land acquired and owned by the federal government for use in its energy programs in the Town that had been previously subject to ad valorem property taxes.

Last year's PILOT payment was $1.26 million. These funds are distributed by the Town of Brookhaven to local programs like the Longwood and Eastport-South Manor school and library districts.

Schumer, Gillibrand, and Bishop today announced that, after writing to the Department of Energy and urging increased BNL PILOT payments, the amount has been increased to $1.42 million.

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