WHEREAS, beginning on February 10, 2010 and continuing, a severe snowstorm with high winds has disrupted vital public transportation and public health and safety systems within the County of Nassau; and

WHEREAS, this event has resulted in personal hardships, stranded motorists and travelers, and continues to pose a threat to public health and safety; and

WHEREAS, real property taxes for the 2010 fiscal year are currently due in the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, in the County of Nassau on February 10, 2010; and

WHEREAS, section 925-a of the Real Property Tax Law authorizes the Governor to issue an Executive Order during a State Disaster Emergency, extending the period for paying real property taxes without interest or penalty; and

WHEREAS, a request for such an extension has been received by the Governor’s Office on behalf of the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay; and

WHEREAS, given the difficulties continuing to confront the people of these towns as a result of the snowstorm, such an extension is eminently warranted; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVID PATERSON, 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 hereby find that a disaster has occurred for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately, and pursuant to Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby declare a State Disaster Emergency within Nassau County; and

FURTHER, pursuant to section 925-a(2) of the Real Property Tax Law, do hereby extend to February 17, 2010 the period for paying without interest or penalty the real property taxes that are currently due in the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay.