Today, Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) announced the kickoff of Project Green-Light. Project Green-Light is a campaign created to address the issue of traffic congestion and pollution surrounding the Grand Island tolls.

“It is time that our state advances in transportation technology as other states across the country have done,” said Morinello. “There are various solutions to solving the congestion and pollution problem that exists, and it is important we educate the residents of Grand Island on the options currently available to them.”

The New York State Thruway Authority currently offers a discounted E-Z Pass plan for the residents of Grand Island. The offer would reduce the cost of tolls for the Grand Island bridges from $1 per use to $0.09, saving residents $0.91 per trip.

“While some of the residents of Grand Island utilize this plan, this discount is still unknown to many individuals who reside on the Island,” said Morinello. “Becoming an E-Z Pass holder helps reduce the cost of travel on and off the Island by a minimum of $27 per month if used once a day, with savings increasing depending upon increased usage. It will also alleviate some of the wait times associated with congestion at the tolls.”

In June, Morinello joined forces with Assemblyman Mickey Kearns (D-West Seneca) and Sens. Chris Jacobs (R,C,I-Buffalo) and Robert Ortt (R,C,I-North Tonawanda) to introduce legislation creating a community impact fund. This fund would ensure that 10 percent of the revenue generated by the tolls collected would be placed into a community impact fund to offset the environmental and economic impacts of the bridges. Of the 10 percent, 50 percent would go to Grand Island, 25 percent to Tonawanda and 25 percent to Niagara Falls.

“Project Green-Light is a perfect complement to our joint efforts to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution caused by the Grand Island tolls,” said Jacobs. “I strongly encourage all residents of the 60th Senate District to participate by signing up for E-Z Pass and helping to reduce the financial and environmental burdens associated with the tolls.”

“While we continue to push for statewide electronic toll readers like the ones currently used on the Tappan Zee Bridge, we must compensate the residents of Grand Island and the areas surrounding the bridges for the extreme traffic present,” said Morinello. “I am proud to join forces with my fellow legislators from Western New York to provide a feasible solution to the prevalent problem.”

Those interested in obtaining an E-Z Pass may do so through the Grand Island Clerk’s Office. For a discounted E-Z Pass plan, contact the New York State Thruway Authority at 1-800-333-8655 or contact Assemblyman Morinello’s office at 716-282-6062 for details on how to become an E-Z Pass tag holder.