New York Codes, Rules and Regulations › Title 9 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT › Subtitle A - Governor's Office › Chapter I - Executive Orders › Part 8 - Executive Orders (Andrew M. Cuomo) › Section 8.189 - Executive Order No. 189: Establishing the Hurricane Maria Memorial Commission

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 2024
WHEREAS, on September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the
					 island of Puerto Rico, causing nearly complete devastation, including the
					 catastrophic failure of Puerto Rico's power grid, water and wastewater
					 infrastructure, and communications networks;
WHEREAS, the unprecedented devastation left communities
					 stranded and unable to obtain life-saving aid, food, water, and medicine,
					 resulting in the evacuation of at least 11,000 Puerto Ricans to New York
					 State;
WHEREAS, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in Puerto Rico as a
					 result of Hurricane Maria, causing unspeakable trauma and human
					 suffering;
WHEREAS, New York is home to the largest Puerto Rican
					 diaspora, with a population of over 1 million Puerto Ricans who are part of the
					 fabric of this great State;
WHEREAS, New York State has always stood and will always
					 stand with Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, New York State can and must properly memorialize
					 the human toll and physical damage caused by Hurricane Maria, as well as the
					 incredible courage and resilience of the Puerto Rican people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State
					 of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
					 laws of the State of New York, do order as follows:
1. There is hereby established the Hurricane
				  Maria Memorial Commission (the "Commission"). The Commission shall provide
				  recommendations to the Governor pertaining to the site, design, and
				  installation of a memorial in the vicinity of the City of New York to honor the
				  victims of Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, and
				  to stand as an international symbol of the resilience of the Puerto Rican
				  people.
2. The Governor shall
				  appoint ten voting members to the Commission, which shall include individuals
				  with a range of perspectives, interests, and specific knowledge concerning the
				  Puerto Rican community. All members of the Commission shall serve at the
				  pleasure of the Governor.
3. A
				  majority of the total members of the Commission who have been appointed shall
				  constitute a quorum, and all recommendations of the Commission shall require
				  approval of a majority of its total members.
4. Every agency, department, office, division
				  or public authority of this State shall provide to the Commission such
				  information, assistance and cooperation, including use of State facilities,
				  which is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order. Staff
				  support necessary for the conduct of the Commission's work may be furnished by
				  State agencies and authorities (subject, as necessary, to the approval of the
				  board of directors of such authorities).
5. The Commission may draw upon the human
				  resources, expertise, and funding of private institutions, as consistent with
				  all laws and regulations regarding such assistance. Such assistance shall be
				  provided without financial remuneration and shall not be provided under any
				  circumstances that would create an actual conflict of interest, or the
				  appearance of such a conflict.
6.
				  The Commission shall commence its work immediately. On or before September 30,
				  2019, or such other time as may be specified by the Governor, the Commission
				  shall complete its duties and activities described herein and provide its
				  recommendations to the Governor, at which time the Commission shall terminate
				  its work and be relieved of all responsibilities and duties
				  hereunder.