Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) emphasized the need for shared services between the New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) during Thursday’s public budget hearing on Transportation. McDonough said the perpetual budget constraints of the two departments warrant the need to examine whether some overlap in resources is possible.

“Shared services between the two agencies would reduce the number of employees on the state payroll,” McDonough said. “Thruway Director Megna’s background as State Budget Director will certainly allow him to handle the situation with a high degree of expertise. I hope that investigating the plausibility of shared services between the two departments becomes an immediate priority within the Thruway Authority.”

McDonough has strongly advocated for public safety issues during his tenure in the legislature and currently serves as Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly’s Committee on Transportation.