HIGHLAND — Our members working for the New York State Bridge Authority recently breathed sighs of relief following the news that legislators shelved a state budget proposal that would have merged the Bridge Authority with the state Thruway Authority.
Our members, state elected officials, and community activists, had been strongly opposed to the proposal, arguing that a merger made no sense due to the Bridge Authority being financially
self-sustaining.
“We’re relieved,” said CSEA New York State Bridge Authority Local President Mike Bernazzani. “I’m very thankful for the state legislators who fought for us. I’m also proud of our members and our union in general. Everyone worked together to raise awareness about this merger proposal and why it was wrong for Hudson Valley communities.”
Bernazzani said the merger attempt reminded community members of the importance the Bridge Authority plays in maintaining safe Hudson River crossings, which are used so frequently that many consider them as local roads. The Bridge Authority covers five Hudson River crossings, as far south as the Bear Mountain Bridge and as far north as the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
“This merger proposal really got people in our communities reflecting on how well-run these bridges are, and how they provide safe and affordable crossings for people commuting and traveling throughout the Hudson Valley,” said CSEA Southern Region President Anthony Adamo. “Working together as union members with our state lawmakers and community members, our voices were heard in Albany.”
— Jessica Ladlee
