Kathy Hochul Vetoes Bill for Toll-Free Thruway Access in Onondaga

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have allowed residents of Onondaga County to travel toll-free on the New York State Thruway. The decision, announced on December 8, 2023, comes after state lawmakers passed the bill earlier this year, which was intended to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the ongoing construction of Interstate 81.

In her veto message, Hochul cited concerns regarding the legality of the proposed toll exemptions. She stated that the bill would breach the terms agreed upon by the Thruway Authority when financing bonds for the Thruway’s construction. “Legislation that requires free or reduced tolls violates existing bond covenants, and an exemption for one group of motorists will lead to toll increases for others that use the system,” she explained. Consequently, she felt compelled to reject the legislation.

Had the bill been enacted, Onondaga County residents could have obtained toll-free passes for any exit between Exit 34A at Interstate 481 in Syracuse’s eastern suburbs and Exit 39 near the Warners rest stop in the town of Van Buren. This would have included the heavily trafficked exits at Carrier Circle in DeWitt (Exit 35) and Interstate 81 (Exit 36) in Salina.

The bill was championed by Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, a Democrat from Syracuse, and State Senator Chris Ryan, a Democrat from Geddes. Both legislators argued that providing toll-free access was essential for commuters seeking alternative routes during the extensive I-81 reconstruction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.

Under the proposed terms, the Thruway Authority would have had the option to restrict the use of the toll-free passes to peak commuting hours or to implement a discounted toll should financial losses become a concern. The vetoed bill was one of five key pieces of legislation awaiting Hochul’s decision in the final weeks of the year.

In addition to the toll-free access bill, Hochul vetoed numerous other bills on the same day, many of which called for studies on a variety of issues or the formation of task forces. Her decisions reflect an ongoing effort to balance legislative initiatives with financial and legal considerations impacting the state’s infrastructure.