Printer Friendly Format
View Press Conference
56k
or 300k
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2002
PR-182-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS E-911 LANDLINE SURCHARGE


Testimony by Mayor Bloomberg During Public Hearing on Local Law


"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 219-A, sponsored at my request by Council Member Weprin. This bill increases the monthly surcharge on telephone access lines from thirty-five cents to one dollar per month. The revenue generated from this increase will be dedicated to funding New York City's enhanced 911 ('E-911') emergency service. It is clear that the events of September 11th have demonstrated that we need to maintain a fully operational emergency response system in New York City.

"Currently, New York City has a surcharge of thirty-five cents per-access line per-month on the customers of every telephone service supplier within the City. This surcharge has not been increased since it was originally implemented in 1989. The revenue generated from the surcharge funds the operation and maintenance of the telecommunication equipment and telephone services for E-911. However, there is a significant gap between the revenue from the current surcharge and the costs associated with the E-911 system in New York City. Therefore, we are increasing the surcharge to reflect the high cost of this essential service.

"This E-911 surcharge increase is another one of my Administration's proposals, adopted by the City Council, to provide much-needed financial assistance in closing the City's large budget gap. This surcharge increase should generate approximately $35 million in additional City revenue each year."

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz
(212) 788-2958