Thruway transparency bill clears Assembly

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The New York State Assembly approved a bill requiring more thorough reporting on Thruway finances. The bill, S608/A7086, would make the Thruway Authority provide comprehensive disclosures every six months on management of the state’s primary toll road.

The legislation amends current law to mandate more open finances from Thruway administrators, with financial statements headed to the governor, comptroller, budget director, and legislature. Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, a cosponsor of the bill, said that it would help build public confidence in state spending.

The economic updates have to tally the agency’s revenues and expenses alongside an exhaustive list of all contracts entered into over the previous six months. As of now, the Thruway Authority submits reports only once a year, and current law doesn’t specifically require a list of contracts.

Santabarbara called the bill a “meaningful step toward greater accountability.” He argued in a written statement that “Taxpayers deserve transparency from every level of government—including the authorities that manage our transportation infrastructure.”

Reached for comment, the agency declined to speak on pending legislation. Even so, Thruway Authority spokesperson Jonathan Dougherty explained that the agency complies with all existing reporting requirements under current state law governing finance and public authorities.

As it does with other public authorities in New York, the independent Authorities Budget Office already oversees the Thruway Authority, noted Dougherty. And he said that they’re already posting monthly updates—financial reports, details on contracts, and bid results—online.

Santabarbara previously proposed A8852 in January. That bill would establish a two-year pilot program to eliminate tolls on the New York State Thruway for E-ZPass users between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Santabarbara’s office said that the bill advanced to the Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee on Monday and could still make it through the legislature this session.

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