Senator Golden Calls on State Assembly to Approve Toll Relief for Brooklyn Residents Before the End of Session

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) has issued the following statement following the New York State Senate’s passage of legislation he sponsored, S. 7490, which would create a Verrazano Narrows Bridge toll discount plan for Brooklyn residents.

“I applaud my colleagues in the New York State Senate for their passage of this legislation that recognizes the true financial burden that the Verrazano Narrows Bridge toll is having on Brooklyn families. Anyone who works or has a child attending school in Staten Island, is easily facing a $300 plus a month bill just to cross the bridge. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Verrazano Bridge this year, what a gift this would be.

When the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was first built, it was said that when the cost was covered from collected tolls, the toll would be removed. We all know we will never see a toll free Verrazano Narrows Bridge, but a discount is not too much to ask for. With the last hours of this year’s legislative session, I ask the State Assembly to approve this bill before leaving Albany.

Working with my colleague, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, we have garnered outstanding grassroots support for our petition entitled, ‘The Tolls Are Too Damn High’. Brooklyn is asking for, and deserving of, the same discount that Staten Island residents get, so to make the Verrazano Narrows Bridge more reasonable for those who frequent it,” said Senator Golden.

As of April 25, 2014, Staten Island residents using E-Z Pass, who travel the bridge more than three times in one month, pay $5.50 per trip.

The bill was sent to the Assembly. Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D-Brooklyn) is the sponsor.