Nozzolio: Thruway Toll Hikes Would Devastate Local Upstate Economy

Albany – Responding to reports of a proposal to increase Thruway tolls, State Senator Michael Nozzolio today called on New York State Thruway Authority Chairman John Buono to immediately reject any increase in tolls on the Thruway.

“Any plan by the Thruway Authority to raise tolls on the Thruway should be rejected immediately,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The residents and business owners in our region cannot afford an increase in tolls, which would be a significant tax increase for New York state residents. The Thruway Authority must review other options to deal with any budget shortfalls they may have.”

In a letter to Chairman John Buono of the Thruway Authority, Senator Nozzolio stressed the detrimental effect that toll increases would have on his constituency.

“There is no higher priority for me than to lower taxes and create jobs and an increase in tolls by the Thruway Authority sends the message that New York State is not in touch with the concerns and needs of its residents. I believe that this proposed rate hike, if approved, would further impede economic growth and stability and significantly increase traffic on our local highways and scenic routes that we are trying so desperately to protect."

Attached is Senator Nozzolio’s letter to Thruway Authority Chairman John Buono.

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September 25, 2007

John Buono, Chairman
New York State Thruway Authority
200 Southern Boulevard
Albany, New York 12209

Dear Chairman Buono:

This letter is to respectfully register my strong opposition to any plan by the New York State Thruway Authority that would increase the current toll prices on the Thruway.

As the State Senator representing the Greater Finger Lakes region, the Thruway runs through the length of my Senate district and is critical to the daily lives of my constituents and the economic health of the region. Quite simply, an increase in tolls would be another sign that the policies of New York State are not sensitive to the very real economic hardships that many of New York’s residents and businesses are facing.

As my colleagues and I in the State Senate continue to fight to revitalize the Upstate economy, an increase in Thruway tolls would be a large step in the wrong direction. Any toll increase would tell our residents and businesses that New York State does not have their best interests in mind, exactly the wrong message that should be conveyed in these challenging times.

Again, I respectfully request that you dismiss any proposal that would increase the tolls on the New York State Thruway.