A RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY
LEGISLATOR RANZENHOFER

RE: OPPOSING INCREASE OF TOLLS ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY

WHEREAS, the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) was established in the 1950s with the promise that tolls would be eliminated and the NYSTA dissolved in 1996, when bonds used to finance construction were paid off; and

WHEREAS, the NYSTA collected $554 million in tolls in 2006 and spent $331 million operating the Thruway system; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Thruway System is vital to the economy of New York State; and

WHEREAS, in January, 2008, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released an audit urging the NYSTA to avoid toll increases and instead identify cost cutting measures; and

WHEREAS, the NYSTA has refused to develop measures to reduce its expenditures; and

WHEREAS, on April 25, 2008, the NYSTA voted to approve a 5% toll increase on January 1, 2009 and an additional 5% toll increase on January 1, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the NYSTA also voted to eliminate some savings on EZPass plans effective June 29, 2008; and

WHEREAS, increasing tolls will prove damaging to the New York State economy and serves as a hidden tax on motorists, increasing the price of goods in stores due to increased transportation costs, and will negatively impact hardworking and overtaxed New Yorkers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature urges the NYSTA to immediately rescind the toll increases which it approved on April 25, 2008; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to members of the NYSTA Board, Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, the local delegation to the New York State Legislature and County Executive Christopher Collins..

FISCAL IMPACT: Positive for Erie County taxpayers.

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