The New York State Thruway Authority is considering a proposal that would raise tolls 45 percent on nearly all commercial vehicle classes.
The proposal, which is based on a report conducted by Jacobs Civil Consultants Inc. this past spring, is aimed at shoring up capital for regular operations as well as for major projects.
Public hearings on the proposal will be held in Buffalo Aug. 16, East Syracuse Aug. 17 and Newburgh Aug. 18. The proposal, if adopted, will take effect in October. The public comment period runs through Aug. 24.
The Jacobs report projects a $238.2 million deficit for the Thruway Authority”™s net balance available for working capital for the 2012-2016 period if the toll increase is not enacted.
State business advocates have rallied against the planned increase.
Michael P. Durant, director of the New York State division of the National Federation of Independent Business, called the proposal “priority number one right now.”
“I”™m vehemently opposed to it. I think it”™ll have a tremendous adverse impact on businesses large and small,” Durant said.
The Jacobs report also anticipates “that further actions may be taken to address the financing of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.”
For businesses, this is doubly harmful, Durant said.
“You”™re talking about two potential hikes to deal with ”¦ all of which, when you add it all up, is going to create a tremendous problem for businesses that utilize the Thruway as their main means of transportation.”
