Issues: Transportation

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio announced the New York State Thruway Authority’s proposed 45% toll increase for commercial vehicles has been dropped. Today, The State Thruway Authority withdrew its disastrous plan to raise highway tolls on trucks and other commercial traffic.

“The Thruway Authority’s decision not to implement the proposed toll hike is a major victory for New York’s businesses and consumers.” said Senator Nozzolio, " There is no question that all businesses would suffer if this proposed toll increase has been allowed and the increase in transportation costs for consumer goods would have inevitably been passed on to individuals and families in our communities."

I commend Governor Cuomo for taking action to prevent a 45 percent toll hike on trucks that use the New York State Thruway.  This massive proposed increase, which was opposed by Senate Republicans, would have negatively impacted small businesses throughout New York and hurt our efforts to grow the economy.

If we are going to continue the progress we’ve made over the last two years, we’ll need to do it without raising taxes and fees, or increasing the cost of doing business.  This is great news for businesses and taxpayers.

Senator Golden, Congressman Grimm and Assemblywoman Malliotakis Call on MTA Chairman Lhota and Board Members to Reject Toll Hike Proposal

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), Congressman Michael Grimm (R-C, Brooklyn, Staten Island) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C, Brooklyn, Staten Island) this afternoon have authored a letter to Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairman Joseph Lhota, and all MTA Board Members, urging them to oppose the plan to raise tolls on the Verrazano-Bridge at the December 19th Board meeting.

In the letter, the elected officials wrote, “In these difficult economic times, the last thing New Yorkers need is the burden of additional travel expenses. The proposal now before

Digital signs over the NYS Thruway will urge motorists to stay alert behind the wheel with no texting while driving reminder.

Larson’s mother Kelly Cline relentlessly advocated for changes to state law to ban texting while driving. 

Kennedy and Cline Remind Drivers: Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Off Your Phone.

DMV Tentatively Awards New Contract To Produce NY Driver’s Licenses To Highest Bidder – Kennedy and Ryan Urge DMV To Explain Contract Decision

BUFFALO – Today, November 14, 2012, New York State Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblyman Sean Ryan urged the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to explain why they have awarded a new contract to produce New York State driver’s licenses that will cost taxpayers an extra $38 million.

Senator Owen H. Johnson joined LIRR representatives and elected officials on October 16, 2012 for the official ribbon cutting for the new high tech train wash in Babylon that cleans the LIRR electric train fleet.

Senator Owen H. Johnson said:  "I am pleased that our new high tech railroad car wash in Babylon Village provides our residents with clean and properly maintained railroad cars. I applaud the use of green technology such as solar panels producing electricity to operate the facility and water treatment systems allowing for recycling and safe disposal into our sewer system. This is a fine example of government embracing new technologies that help both the commuter and the environment."

HERKIMER, 10/25/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) and Assemblyman Marc Butler (R/C/I – Newport) are continuing their appeal to New York State Department of Transportation for a thorough review of traffic safety issues on Route 28 in the Village and Town of Herkimer.

Earlier this year, Senator Seward and Assemblyman Butler brought local residents and municipal officials together to call on NYSDOT to examine traffic safety concerns along Route 28 between West German Street and Shells Bush Road.  A response from NYSDOT Interim Regional Director John Williams indicated that after a review of accident history, traffic volumes, speed, and available sight distance, a passing zone closure and speed limit reduction is not recommended.