Senator Dale M. Volker Announces Formal Removal Of Buffalo Tolls Booths

(Depew, NY) Senator Dale M. Volker (R-I-C, Depew) today announced that the New York State Thruway Authority has voted officially to remove toll collections for those entering the City of Buffalo at Ogden and Black Rock toll areas. This announcement, due to the efforts of Senator Dale M. Volker, Senator Mary Lou Rath, Governor Pataki and representatives from the New York State Thruway Authority, will immediately cease toll collections at these two toll areas.

"At 11:30 today, the New York State Thruway Authority Board officially voted to cease toll collections at the Black Rock and Odgen toll areas," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "Our next step is to physically remove these barriers to ensure that the free flow of traffic to and from the City of Buffalo can occur. In the meantime, I am requesting that the driving public-at-large, drive safely and use caution in these areas so that accidents nor fatalities will occur. New York State Police and Thruway Officials will have a presence in these areas to ensure the safe flow of traffic and make sure that traveling in these two areas are properly managed and policed."

Senator Mary Lou Rath said, "Commuters and businesses who drive in and out of the City of Buffalo will save more than $14 million annually. This will improve our business climate and improve the quality of life for many in our region. I would like to thank the Governor, our western New York Legislative Delegation and officials from the New York State Thruway Authority for having constructive and productive talks to make these toll removals permanent. Our efforts now will be to expedite the physical removal of these tolls as soon as possible."

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