This is the first big test and the first big success with the rounds that need to be made in Albany. By passing the Transportation committee it now goes to the floor for a vote. I feel confident this will pass in the senate as does Senator Maziarz. We spoke this afternoon when he called me from Albany to give me the good news.

Now we have to get it done in the Assembly, get it out of the committee there and then a floor vote. I hope they see how this moved in the senate and follow the example and do the same there. Then off to the Governor for signing it into Law. Once done, it will be the first time ever there will be no tolls on these bridges.

190 Toll Removal Bill Moves Forward

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - A bill to end tolls on the 190 at the Grand Island bridge is one step closer to reality. A State Senate committee has approved the bill sponsored by Senator George Maziarz to change jurisdiction of the 190 from the Thruway Authority to NYSDOT.

Maziarz says NYSDOT does not have the authority to charge tolls, but is eligible for federal funding to repair the 190. That, he says, can equalize the $22 million in tolls collected each year by the Thruway Authority.

The bill is expected to be passed in the full Senate in a couple of weeks, then Maziarz will help lobby to get a similar version voted out of committee in the Assembly.