Town Board opposes Bridge and Thruway Authority merger

As local municipalities work to prepare for the upcoming merger between the New York State Bridge and Thruway Authorities, the Town of Newburgh board announced plans to oppose the decision during its latest workshop meeting.

The merger, which was announced as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s state budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, is set to increase tolls but will “streamline government services by bringing together two organizations with overlapping roles and resources,” per Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll in statements to multiple news outlets.

The town board ruled in a draft resolution together with the law firm of Rider, Weiner & Frankel, LLC that the proposal would affect families who travel on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and other bridges across the Hudson River on a frequent basis.