Utica, NY (WIBX) - The recent favorable state appellate court ruling allowing the City of Utica's ambulance service to function, doesn't fully pave the way for permanent operation. But, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, is looking to allow the city to run its ambulance service indefinitely. Assistant Fire Chief George Clark said, "If this legislation was to go through, it ends litigation for the City of Utica--this is no longer a topic--It's permanent and we're allowed to continue on."

Currently, the city has to apply for a "Certificate of Need" every two years to keep operating. The bill, (A9943) is expected to pass in the assembly on Monday. At issue is the lack of support its facing in the senate. "Obviously the republicans control the senate and I would not characterize it as reluctance, but they're being careful, which I applaud them for being careful, but what we're trying to do is show that there is support for this," Clark said.

The bill is backed by: Unshackle Upstate, New York State Conference Of Mayors, (NYCOM), The Firemen's Association of the State of New York, (FASNY), New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, (NYSAFC), FDNY, FDNY-EMA and New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, (NYSPFFA).

Local officials are calling on Senator Joseph Griffo to get on board and support the bill for a better chance of passage in the senate.

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