Cuomo laid out part of his transportation plan at an event Wednesday in Liverpool, Onondaga County, the latest stop in a statewide tour this week that has seen him slowly roll out his agenda for 2016 ahead of his State of the State address and budget proposal next Wednesday, Jan. 13.
The Democratic governor offered few specifics on his infrastructure spending push, but said the $22 billion would be spread out over five years. He also proposed spending an extra $30 million on upstate New York’s public-transportation systems, on top of the state’s usual transit spending.
When it comes to the Thruway, Cuomo proposed spending $1 billion in state funds to keep the Thruway’s current toll rates in place through 2020. Cuomo’s plan would also eliminate tolls for agricultural traffic, while offering a tax credit worth 50 percent of tolls for passenger vehicles with E-Z Pass that rack up more than $50 in tolls annually and commercial drivers with at least $100.
“This year we are going to reinvest in Upstate New York like never before,” said Governor Cuomo. “The Thruway is a vital artery for commerce and transportation throughout Upstate, so we are going to deliver major toll relief to New Yorkers. We are going to reduce tolls for businesses and drivers who rely on it the most, eliminate them for farmers bringing their goods to market, and freeze tolls for everyone else until at least 2020. And we are going to move forward with the largest capital plan in state history. Together we can support and rebuild our vital infrastructure and unlock the potential of Upstate New York for years to come.”
Black Westchester
Black Westchester - News With The Black Point Of View is an online news magazine for people of color for Westchester and the Tri- State area of New York at every economic level. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.
