Another local official is hoping to curb the thruway toll hikes. New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio (R-54th District). Nozzolio announced plans to fight the increase by sponsoring legislation that would remove the canal system from the Thruway Authority's jurisdiction. The legislation would reduce the need for higher tolls by relieving the budget shortage at the Thruway Authority. According to his plan, canals would be funded through the state parks system.
“My plan is to make a park out of the canal in effect make the largest most attractive park from Albany to Buffalo that we would establish the canal as a park. Take it away from the thruway authority would negate the need to raise tolls,” says Nozzolio.
The thruway authority does not receive state funding for the maintenance of the thruways. The authority relies on tolls alone to fund expenses.