Requires the port authority to hold a hearing in each county in the district related to proposed toll or fare increase for use of authority transportation facilities

Summary of provisions

Section one amends Article VI of section 1 of chapter 154 of the laws of 1921 authorizing designated authorities in behalf of the state of New York to enter into an agreement or compact with designated authorities of the state of New Jersey for the creation of the "port of New York District".

Section two is the effective date.

Justification

Recently, the Port Authority unveiled a proposal that would dramatically raise tolls and fares on Staten Island's three bridges and the busiest entries into New York City. This proposal only punishes the commuters of Staten Island. This proposal would unfairly hit the businesses and residents of Staten Island who must pay tolls to get on and off the Island. It also affects other New York residents who use Port Authority services. It is only fair to the residents affected by these proposed increases to be able to voice their concerns and opinions directly to the Commissioners who make these decisions.

Therefore, this bill would require the Port Authority's Board of Commissioners to hold a public hearing in each county of the Port Authority District when there is any proposed toll or fare increase.

The bill requires the Port Authority to hold such hearings not less than 30 days prior to the adoption of any toll/fare increase. It also requires the Commissioners to hold another hearing, within the Port Authority district, upon an amendment of the original toll/fare increase proposal no less than 15 days prior to its adoption.

The bill also requires all twelve Commissioners to attend the public hearings relating to toll/fare increases. Residents affected by such increases should be able to voice their concerns directly to those who have the power to approve them. This legislation will require Port Authority Commissioners to hear from the public how such

increases will affect the budgets of so many middle class residents of both states.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Effective date

This act shall take effect upon the enactment into law by the state of New Jersey of legislation having an identical effect with this act, but if the state of New Jersey shall have already enacted such legislation, this act shall take effect immediately; provided that the chairman of the port authority of New York and New Jersey shall notify the legislative bill drafting commission upon the occurrence of the enactment of the legislation provided for in section on e of this act in order that the commission may maintain an accurate and timely effective data base of the official text of the laws of the state of New York in furtherance of effectuating the provisions of section 44 of the legislative law and section 70-b of the public officers law.