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.

Statements from the resolution were read out loud by town lawyer Mark Taylor.
“The Mid-Hudson region operated by the New York State Bridge Authority serves as a vital link for the lives of commerce and numerous residents and businesses located in the town,” he said.

“Businesses and employers in the town have already be subjected to state-imposed levies which yield little benefit to our community.”

This could potentially lead to local residents and businesses subsidizing the costs of the toll hikes

Governor Cuomo’s proposed merger was designed to offset budget deficits that are said to be growing rapidly due in large part to the costs of the new Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge.

The resolution will be presented to the governor, along with both State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.