The Ways and Means Committee (Chairwoman Archer and Legislators Bartels, Gavaris, Haynes, Maio, Ronk, and Walter)

Legislators Kenneth J. Ronk and Albert Bruno, and Legislators Corcoran, Fabiano, Haynes, Lopez, Maio, Roberts, and Wawro offer the following:

            WHEREAS, the New York State Bridge Authority, NYSBA, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of five vehicular crossings in the Mid-Hudson Region including the Bear Mountain, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon and Rip Van Winkle Bridges, as well as the bridge structure of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park; and

WHEREAS, since its inception in 1932, the Bridge Authority has done a truly remarkable job of maintaining the bridges under its care, while securing some of the lowest toll rates in the country; and

            WHEREAS, having never received a red flag inspection designation, the NYSBA maintenance team is unquestionably second to none; and

WHEREAS, the NYSBA is recognized as a true community partner, employing local labor, participating in local educational and vocational programs, and purchasing supplies and materials from local companies; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Ulster County Legislature believe that the NYSBA’s success is due, in large part, to its modest size and narrow focus; and

WHEREAS, three of the six structures maintained by the NYSBA are located in Ulster County; now, therefore be it

            RESOLVED, that the Ulster County Legislature urges Governor Cuomo and members of the New York State Legislature to oppose any merger of the New York State Bridge Authority with the New York State Thruway Authority; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the Clerk of the Ulster County Legislature shall forward copies of this resolution to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, Assembly and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairs, and all Ulster County elected Assemblymembers and Senators,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                          NOES:    

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on ______________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE