Where was Legislator Iannello? Where was Senator Thompson? They say they are for the removal of the tolls but when push comes to shove where are they. This is the biggest step in the toll fight in Grand Island history.

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-62nd Disrtict; Newfane, and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt have scheduled a press conference at Grand Island Town Hall to discuss legislation they are proposing that would transfer control of the Niagara section of the Thruway from the New York State Thruway Authority to the State Department of Transportation.

The move, if passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, would both remove tolls collected at the Grand Island bridges and make the bridges eligible for federal aid reimbursements, Maziarz said.

Maziarz said Rus Thompson of No GI Tolls led the effort on the topic and had pushed for the move. Consequently, Maziarz said he had his senate office’s legal staff research the matter and found that transferring control of the Niagara section is legal.

“Rus Thompson has done a lot of work on the issue,” Maziarz said.

The press conference was scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday morning. Maziarz said he thinks he can secure passage of the legislation in the State Senate.

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