Research

Administrative History

Chapter 660 of the Laws of 1942 created a Temporary State Commission for Post-War Public Works Planning. Its main purpose was to keep records of the progress of design of railroad grade crossing eliminations, highways, parkways, buildings, and other structures and public housing projects for which funds for detailed plans and specifications had been made available to state departments, but for which implementation was suspended during World War II. The commission was to assure that information on the status, scope, cost, employment possibilities, and materials and equipment needed to execute the projects would be promptly available after the war.

It was also charged with ordering and allotting funds for preparation of plans for other state projects, to prepare and maintain progress information on design of post-war projects by municipalities and authorities, and to maintain a liaison with federal agencies on post-war planning. The director of the division of the budget was a member of the commission and served as chairman.

Chapter 661 of the Laws of 1942 amended the State Finance Law to create a post-war planning and capital reserve fund. Through this fund money was dedicated to the preparation and review of plans and specifications and for engineering and other services relating to post-war planning and capital improvements.