In late 2011, as a direct result of one impacted community within the Salamanca City Central School District's community-wide property re-assessment, a group of concerned citiens and taxpayers began to research methods to reduce the burden of increased taxes. From this group of informed and interested taxpayers, it was soon discovered that local remedies were sparse, but there was a possibility of Federal assistance.

Tapping into local (Legislator Edwards), NYS elected officials (Assemblyman Giglio and Senator Young), Federal officials (Rep. Reed) and school district officials an avenue of possible funding relief was discovered. The Federal Impact Aid program through the United States Department of Education (USDOE) provides measurable tax relief to school districts impacted by high percentages of properties (government owned or government affiliates such as Native American land) designated as tax exempt. The application if successful is a possible avenue to reduce the tax burden in the community.

The application is due to the USDOE by January 31st of each year for a funding cycle to reduce the tax amount levied to the community for the following school year.

The District has begun the application process for a funding award for the 2013-14 school year and will continue to do so annually.

More information can be found at www.nafisdc.org