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Mike NozzolioIn another strongly worded message to the New York State Thruway Authority,  State Senator Mike Nozzolio condemned the proposed 45% toll increase for commercial vehicles calling it disastrous to New York's economy.

"There is no question," said Nozzolio, "that all businesses will suffer if this proposed toll increase is allowed."  Nozzolio has urged all the members of the New York State Thruway Authority, to reconsider their proposal to implement the toll increase.

This is the second time in eight weeks that Nozzolio has voiced opposition to the New York State Thruway Authority’s proposal. “Although New York State's economy is beginning to rebound, businesses and consumers simply cannot afford to absorb such a significant increase in the cost to transport their goods and services on the New York State Thruway.  The proposed toll increase is a major step in the wrong direction and sends the message that New York State is not good for business.  It will not only force trucking businesses all across our State to either close or move to another state, but it will force trucks and commercial vehicles on to our local roads and bridges as a way to avoid the tolls,” Nozzolio continued.

“The negative impact this proposal would have on our State and local economy, by increasing Thruway tolls will also further encourage truck drivers to use local and County roads, disturbing scenic communities with noise and pollution and making the roads less safe,”  said Nozzolio.

“This proposal is completely contrary to the message that New York State is once again open for business. With the rising cost of  gasoline prices, this toll increase would come at a particularly damaging time for the transportation industry. The increase in transportation costs for consumer goods would also inevitably be passed on to individuals and families in our communities,” continued Nozzolio.

The proposal would nearly double the tolls for certain commercial vehicles increasing the tolls by 45%.  The Thruway Authority will be holding public hearings on the proposed increase on the following dates:

Buffalo: August 16, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Auditorium Address: 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203

Syracuse: August 17, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Address: 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse, NY 13057

Newburgh: August  18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Hilton Garden Inn Address: 15 Crossroads Court, Newburgh, NY 12550

Nozzolio concluded,  "I urge all New Yorkers who oppose this outrageous toll increase to voice their opposition to the New York State  Thruway Authority." The deadline for all public comments is Friday, August 24th, 2012.

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