Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

November 24, 2008

Hochul Says Obama Stimulus Plan Should Include Funding for Re-Location Of Williamsville and Lackawanna Toll Barriers

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul said that WNY should benefit from the two- year spending plan that President-elect Obama has called for to stimulate the economy. Hochul, who Friday spoke at a regional transportation meeting to support the Thruway Authority's proposal to re-locate the Williamsville and Lackawanna Toll Barriers, said that such a move could potentially be funded by the Obama plan.

"If the objective is to spend money on capital projects to stimulate job creation and retention, I believe that the long-awaited removal of tolls from within the commuting range should be on the list, said Hochul, an advocate for removing the tolls for the past decade. "In the short term, jobs will be created in the demolition and construction of the new "Free Urban Hybrid Model, that could expand the free area for our commuters along the Thruway. Even better, our motorists will finally be free from the cost of tolls and the long waits at the barriers. Personally, I'd rather the federal money be spent here, where we could use the help, than see if go to other parts of the Country. It's the least our federal government can do since our drivers are hit with the highest gas prices in America. Our drivers need a break, and this could be the start," said Hochul.

Hochul said she is writing to Congressman Brian Higgins to enlist his support because of his efforts in eliminating the tolls on the I-190 in 2006.