Reimbursements For Tolls Paid
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder announced that he has worked with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders to once again secure funding in the budget to continue the Cross Bay Bridge residency rebate.
The residency rebate covers the costs for travel for Broad Channel and the Rockaway residents over the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge through E-Z Pass reimbursement.
“Hundreds are still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy and knowing that the residency rebate will continue is a huge victory for Broad Channel and the Rockaways,” said Goldfeder. “I was successful in implementing the rebate last year and continue to fight to eliminate this unfair tax and lift a considerable financial burden for many hard-working families and small businesses of our community.”
The Cross Bay Bridge toll is the only intra-borough toll in New York City. Prior to efforts last year, residents of Broad Channel and the Rockaways had to pay a toll each day to go to and from work, patronize local businesses, bring their children to and from school, take care of daily errands or go to the post office, noted Goldfeder.
The assemblyman made it a priority to eliminate this burdensome tax and soon after taking office he de- livered for the community by including the residency rebate in the fiscal year 2012 state budget. Additionally, Goldfeder introduced legislation in the Assembly that would eliminate the Cross Bay Bridge toll permanently for every resident of Queens (A.2072).
“The reinstatement of this valuable rebate program is a step in the right direction towards complete elimination,” Goldfeder said. “This toll has been a hindrance for the residents and businesses of our community for far too long. While having the rebate program extended for another year is a huge benefit to our community, it is only the first step towards eliminating this toll for all of Queens residents completely, and I will continue to fight for its complete elimination.”
