Senator Carlucci and Rockland Officials Announce Toll Freeze until 2020
May 2, 2016
South Nyack, NY - Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) and elected officials from throughout Rockland County announced victories in the state budget that will provide a Toll Freeze until 2020.
Safeguarding the economy of the Lower Hudson Valley depends on keeping tolls affordable for residents who depend on crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge.This starts with freezing tolls at their current levels. As part of the budget, $700 million has been invested in keeping tolls frozen until 2020, which will provide greater financial security for Rockland and Westchester residents.
As construction on the bridge continues, one issue in particular that is important to residents of South Nyack is the placement of the terminus for the Shared Use Path (SUP) which will span the length of the newly constructed bridge. Support among South Nyack elected officials and residents is near-unanimous for the proposal Alternative F, which would use the Exit 10 interchange on the Thruway reconfigured with a parking lot to accommodate increased pedestrian foot traffic once the SUP is finished. The public comment period on this proposal ended April 1st.
Starting April 23rd, cashless tolls will go into effect along the Tappan Zee Bridge, which means that every motorist who crosses the bridge must have an E-ZPass or face getting a fine from the Thruway Authority. However, with the closure of the E-ZPass in Nanuet last year, this will prevent Rockland residents from be able to easily access an E-ZPass should they need one. Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato announced that his office will provide prepaid $25 E-ZPass tags as part of his office’s role as an E-ZPass On the Go Retailer.
“This budget secured necessary funding that will keep tolls frozen at their current levels for another four years. With the Tappan Zee Bridge encompassing a large part of the lives of our residents, we as elected officials must ensure their voices are heard. This means working together, whether it be uniting behind the Alternative F proposal and the Shared Use Path or providing a location to buy a prepaid E-ZPass. I’m proud to stand with my partners in government and will continue to advocate for the needs of residents,” said Senator David Carlucci.
"In light of the closure of the Rockland County E-ZPass Customer Service Center, we are delighted to expand our role as an E-ZPass On the Go Retailer. With the recently implemented "all E-ZPass" Thruway toll in place, the need for a local Rockland County E-ZPass Center has become even greater. The closest center is now in Yonkers, over 30 miles from many Rockland County residents. Our office already has extensive experience as an E-ZPass On the Go retailer, which allows us to sell prepaid $25.00 E-ZPass tags. We believe that creation of a new expanded E-ZPass Rockland Service Center in our office will offer a great convenience to many Rockland residents and serve to increase revenue for the County of Rockland," said Paul Piperato, Rockland County Clerk.
“I am delighted to hear that tolls on the new Tappan Zee Bridge will remain at their current level until 2020 and I strongly urge all parties to work together to ensure that tolls remain as low as possible even after that date. A large discount for residents of Rockland County would go a long way towards accomplishing that goal and I thank Senator Carlucci and other state lawmakers for their efforts in this area,” said Andy Stewart, Orangetown Town Supervisor. “With respect to the Shared Use Path, I urge the Thruway Authority and NY State to work with local officials and residents to find a way to add this exciting new amenity while minimizing negative impacts on neighboring residents.”
“The village of South Nyack and its residents are extremely pleased that Senator Carlucci agrees that Alternative F is the best choice for our village. We thank him for his support and advocacy on this issue and will continue to work together,” said Bonnie Christian, Mayor of South Nyack.
