Griffo urges governor, Thruway Authority to ‘rethink’ and ‘restructure’ the Thruway

October 24, 2023

New York State Thruway Authority

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome and a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, is urging the governor and the New York State Thruway Authority to explore and consider ways to make the Thruway a better and more efficient experience for its users.

In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Griffo wrote that now is an opportune time to be “visionary” and to “restructure and rethink” the Thruway.

“While I recognize that several initiatives aimed at enhancing New York’s Thruway system have been undertaken, I believe that now is the time to be visionary like Gov. (Thomas E.) Dewey and to restructure and rethink this major travel corridor,” Sen. Griffo wrote. “All elements should be examined and considered, including additional interchanges, electronic tolling and tolls, maintenance and upkeep of the highway and rest stops and other facilities.”

New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors Chair Joanne M. Mahoney and New York State Thruway Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare also received a copy of the letter.

Additionally, Sen. Griffo will request that the Senate’s Transportation and Corporation, Authorities and Commissions committees convene a joint hearing to ways to update and grow the state’s major transportation corridor.

The full text of Sen. Griffo’s letter to the governor is below:

Oct. 11, 2023

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Executive Chamber

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224

Dear Gov. Hochul:

More than 60 years ago, Gov. Thomas E. Dewey and others had the foresight to build the New York State Thruway. Since then, this thoroughfare has been an important component of commerce and travel in the state and nation.

Unfortunately, I have continued to hear from constituents about problems they are experiencing with the Thruway. These problems range from issues with electronic tolling, concerns with the vendors at rest stops and the cleanliness and layout of these new facilities and the poor condition of the road.

While I recognize that several initiatives aimed at enhancing New York’s Thruway system have been undertaken, I believe that now is the time to be visionary like Gov. Dewey and to restructure and rethink this major travel corridor. All elements should be examined and considered, including additional interchanges, electronic tolling and tolls, maintenance and upkeep of the highway and rest stops and other facilities.

Additionally, I will be requesting that the Legislature convene a joint hearing of the Senate’s Transportation and Corporation, Authorities and Commissions committees to contemplate how we can make the Thruway a better and more efficient experience for its users.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,