Local sales tax collections grew by $397 million, or 5.7 percent, for the first half of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The gains were driven by strong sales in tax growth downstate during the first half, fueled by cleanup and rebuilding efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Upstate sales tax collections were slower; With Central New York at 2.3%, collections declined by 3.3 percent in New York’s Southern Tier, with the biggest drops in Tioga and Broome counties. The report can be accessed at
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Governor Cuomo announced a week-long State Police enforcement initiative that will target speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The “Speed Week” campaign runs this week and coincides with the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series at Watkins Glen International Raceway. Approximately 1/3rd of all fatal crashes are the result of speeding. Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating the “Move Over Law.”
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The Delaware county DPW will be working on county route 14 from state route 357 to Treadwell, starting this morning. Motorists are advised to expect delays, or to seek alternate routes; the work is expected to be completed Thursday afternoon.
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