New N.Y. law: Buy American

ALBANY — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and other state agencies are now required to buy American — but only for certain products and projects.

Gov. Cuomo on Friday signed the Buy American bill, which requires state-controlled agencies to give preference to steel and iron produced in the United States for road and bridge projects worth more than $1 million.

The bill, which was adopted by the Legislature in June, was a priority of state labor leaders. It takes effect in April.

“This legislation ensures our hard-earned tax dollars are invested right back into our own workforce and not sent overseas,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento.

The bill is a watered down version of an earlier Cuomo proposal that covered most state purchases over $100,000.

Canadian officials said it still goes too far, and vowed to retaliate.

“Ontario is prepared to respond strongly to this type of action,” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said in a statement.

She said they would review the legislation “and consider what specific action may be required in this case.”