Archive: News

Albany - In an effort to fight toll increases on the Thruway, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that he will sponsor legislation that would remove the financial responsibility of the State's canal system from the New York Thruway Authority. The transfer of the canal system would remove a significant expenditure from the Thruway Authority and reduce the need for Thruway toll increases.

In a December interview with the Albany Times Union, Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer was quoted as saying the canal "is a burden for the Thruway and the Thruway's users." Fleischer has stated his support for removing the Canal Corporation from the Thruway Authority, saying that the cost savings would avert increases in commuter tolls and fund more road projects.

"The maintenance of the State canal system has been a financial burden for the Thruway Authority and is the major reason that Thruway tolls are increasing," said Senator Nozzolio. "This important legislation would allow the Thruway Authority to discontinue their financial commitment to the State's canal system, and pass the savings onto residents by reducing current toll prices on the Thruway."

Under the legislation, the canals would become part of the State's Parks system. Upkeep and maintenance of the canals would be funded through the budget of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as well through the collection of fees to use the canals.

The Thruway Authority does not receive state funding for the maintenance and operation of the New York State Thruway; the Authority relies solely on the collection of tolls to fund expenses. Since 1992, the Canal Corporation has functioned as a department within the Thruway Authority, causing a significant financial burden for the Thruway Authority. The legislation would allow the Thruway Authority to withdraw their funding of the canal system, reducing the need for Thruway toll increases.

The canal system remains a major tourism and recreational attraction for New Yorkers and visitors to the State. Under the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, the canal system would remain fully funded for operation and upkeep. In keeping with current State Park policy, fees could be charged for use of the canals by boaters.

Senator Nozzolio is sponsoring the legislation as part of his overall efforts to fight a toll increase on the Thruway. In addition to fighting to adopt the legislation, Senator Nozzolio successfully called for an audit of the Thruway Authority's finances by the State Comptroller and has called on Governor Spitzer and Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleisher to reject any toll increases for New York's residents.

In November, Governor Spitzer pledged to secure over $200 million for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) so that bus and subway fares would not be raised for New York City commuters. Senator Nozzolio called for the Governor to show the same concern for Upstate residents by rejecting a toll increase on the Thruway.

"The New York State Thruway is a critical transportation link for all of Upstate New York and is vital to the entire New York State economy. Toll increases on the Thruway are a tax increase on the already overburdened residents in my Senate district and I will continue to do all possible to fight toll hikes," concluded Senator Nozzolio.

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