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S 7319

Requires port authority to acquire economic impact statement prior to increasing bridge and tunnel tolls

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Lanza

Bill S 7319 requires the Port Authority to assess economic impacts before raising bridge and tunnel tolls, ensuring transparency for commuters and local businesses.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 7319

Summary of Bill S 7319

Bill Number: S 7319
Title: Requires Port Authority to Acquire Economic Impact Statement Prior to Increasing Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
Status: Referred to Transportation
Introduced: April 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 7319 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the toll-setting process for bridges and tunnels managed by the Port Authority. The primary intent is to ensure that any proposed increases in tolls are accompanied by a comprehensive economic impact statement. This statement would assess the potential effects of toll increases on local economies, commuters, and businesses.

Key Provisions

  • Economic Impact Statement Requirement:
    The bill mandates that the Port Authority must prepare and submit an economic impact statement before implementing any toll increases for bridges and tunnels.

  • Assessment Criteria:
    The economic impact statement should evaluate:

    • The financial burden on commuters and local residents.
    • The potential effects on local businesses and the broader economy.
    • Alternative funding sources that could mitigate the need for toll increases.

  • Public Disclosure:
    The findings of the economic impact statement must be made publicly available, allowing stakeholders and the general public to review the potential implications of toll increases.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Commuters:
    Individuals who regularly use the bridges and tunnels would be directly impacted by any changes in toll rates.

  • Local Businesses:
    Businesses that rely on transportation across these infrastructures may experience changes in customer access and operational costs due to toll adjustments.

  • Port Authority:
    The agency would be required to allocate resources for the preparation of economic impact statements, potentially affecting its operational processes.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status:
    As of April 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation:
    This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (S 3391, S 2472, S 6034, S 1819, S 3032, S 2818, S 3270, S 6159, S 4765) that may address similar issues regarding tolls and transportation funding.

Conclusion

Bill S 7319 represents a significant step towards ensuring that toll increases are justified through thorough economic analysis. By requiring the Port Authority to assess the potential impacts on the community and economy, the bill seeks to foster a more informed decision-making process regarding toll adjustments. The outcome of this bill could have lasting implications for transportation funding and economic health in the regions served by the Port Authority.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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