KINGSTON – Merging the New York State
Bridge Authority into the Thruway Authority would have one purpose, and
that is for the Mid-Hudson bridges to subsidize the new Tappan Zee Bridge,
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston) said Friday.
He is opposed to any consolidation of the two authorities because of the
added financial burden he said it would place on Mid-Hudson Valley residents.
“Simply taking over to spread the cost of the Tappan Zee Bridge
to the Mid-Hudson patrons of 55-, 56-, 57 million people, who cross that
bridge every year is unacceptable,” he said. “Our region is
already subsidizing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and not
getting a fair share of services. In fact, my constituents in Northern
Dutchess County pay the Metropolitan Transportation Authority taxes and
get no services whatsoever.”
While he opposes a merger, Cahill would favor looking for ways for both
agencies to cooperate with one another. He has introduced a bill calling
on both agencies to conduct a study into potential cost savings.
Senator David Carlucci (D-Nanuet), has introduced the same measure in
his house.
