Published: January 27, 2008 11:08 pm      

NYS THRUWAY: Comptroller says no need for higher tolls

BUFFALO — With a collection of federal and state legislators, Republicans and Democrats alike, standing behind him and nodding their agreement Sunday, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli delivered a resounding response to plans by the State Thruway Authority to raise tolls on their highway this summer.

“The Thruway Authority should call off its toll hike and postpone any future hikes until it completes any analysis of its operations,” DiNapoli said.

The comptroller said he based that conclusion on an 8-week audit of Thruway Authority operations that he said identified a “number of cost steps the authority should take.”

DiNapoli also said the Thruway Authority should also shed its operation of the Erie Canal, but admitted it’s not clear exactly how that can be done. A statewide referendum in 1992 moved control of the canal from the state Department of Transportation to the Thruway Authority.

However, the comptroller said a decision on the future operation of the canal should not become a “distraction” for the authority.

“They (the Thruway Authority) should not allow discussion of the canal to detour them from the steps they must take,” DiNapoli said. “It’s easy to raise tolls, but the Thruway Authority should take a look in the mirror before it raises tolls.”

In audits that looked at the proposed toll increases, uncollected E-ZPass tolls and fees and one which reviewed the governance and controls over the canal corporation, DiNapoli’s auditors had harsh words for who the authority does business.

“The findings raise questions as to the management cultural of the Thruway Authority,” the auditors wrote. “(One in which the authority) turns first to tolls to solve problems, without fully addressing significant and recurring operating problems.”

Rus Thompson, a Grand Island resident and vocal critic of the authority and opponent of the toll increases, said the audits are an important first step to changing how the Thruway Authority is run.

“It confirms what we’ve been saying. It’s a great day for all of us,” Thompson said. “The Thruway Authority should stay on the Thruway and not on the canals and (local roads like I-190). Get them out of all that extra stuff we don’t need.”

Local lawmakers like state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte expressed hope the audits would stop the planned toll hikes

“Any toll increase is unconscionable,” Maziarz said.

The senator said he was particularly upset with failures by the authority in maximizing E-ZPass revenue.

“The audit showed $27.5 million in uncollected E-ZPass tolls and fees,” Maziarz said. “How do they (the authority) not go after that?”

DelMonte said she thought the authority should act on the audit’s findings.

“I don’t think the Thruway Authority many options expect to look at these proposals,” DelMonte said.

DiNapoli said the findings have been shared with the authority’s chairman and staff and with Gov. Eliot Spitzer. The comptroller said he doesn’t know how the authority will respond.

“The authority has said they will take this audit seriously,” DiNapoli said. “Though I think we agree more on the facts than the conclusions.”

Thompson said he was encouraged by DiNapoli’s promise to keep a close watch on Thruway operations.

“The Thruway Authority manages the roads well, but I believe the authority can manage its finances better,” DiNapoli said. “We are prepared to work with the authority to do a better job and increase its efficiency.”

Contact reporter Rick Pfeifferat 282-2311, ext. 2252.