Removes the Niagara section of the thruway from the control of the thruway authority and puts it under the department of transportation's control; repealer

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Subdivision 8 of section 356 of the public authorities law is repealed and subdivision 9 is renumbered subdivision 8.

Section 2: Subdivision 4 of section 356-a of the public authorities law is repealed and subdivision 5 is amended to renumber the referenced section.

Section 3: Subdivision 6 of the section 349-a of the highway law is repealed and subdivisions 7, 8, and 9 are renumbered subdivision 6, 7, and 8.

Section 4: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 341-b. Acceptance of a bridge and highway as part of the state highway system. The state will accept a certain bridge and highway starting at the junc- tion of the Erie and Ontario sections of the thruway at a point in the vicinity of the crossing of Dingens Street and the Lehigh Valley rail- road in the town of Cheektowaga, generally in a westerly direction to Erie street in the city of Buffalo, continuing in a general northwester- ly direction to the front, through the front and north between Niagara Street and the ship canal to the right of way of the abandoned Erie Canal near the northern end of such ship canal, then generally along such right of way, deviating therefrom to make a connection with easter- ly approach of the South Grand Island bridge, across the Niagara river, utilizing the existing South Grand Island bridge, then across the Niagara river, utilizing the existing South Grand Island, along or parallel to existing Grand Island boulevard, across the Niagara river, utilizing the existing North Grand Island bridge and such bridge and highway shall be part hereafter be part of such system and subject to supervision and control of the commissioner of transportation. The department of transportation shall maintain, repair or reconstruct sole- ly at the expense of the state. This portion of highway shall be under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of transportation and future improvement shall be eligible for federal aid in the same manner as any other state highway or bridge.

Subdivision 5: Effective date.

Justification

It is estimated that the Grand Island bridge costs between $8 to $9 million dollars per year in operation and maintenance cost, however the revenue figures from 2006, show that over $22 million was collected in tolls that year alone. Even with this large differential between the costs of the bridge and the monies collected there has been a one hundred percent increase in toll rates over the past two and one half years. This increase is unnecessary and puts persons who live and work on Grand Island at a financial disadvantage. Residents and frequent commuters do have a reduced toll rate, however, this is the only road onto and off of the island. By Transferring the bridge and Niagara section of the thruway to the department of transportation not only will the tolls be removed, but the bridge will be made eligible for federal aid.

Legislative history

06/12/08 A10003 reported to ways and means

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become law; provided, however, that effective immediately, in addition, amendment and or/repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such date.