Mission

The mission of the New York State Bridge Authority is to maintain and operate the crossings of the Hudson River entrusted to its jurisdiction for the economic and social benefit of the people of the State. The Authority will maintain the bridges and related infrastructure in good condition for the benefit of the travelling public, provide for long-term financial stability of the Authority, and do so at the lowest cost consistent with long term safety and stability. The Authority will provide for accountability and transparency in its operations.

History

The origin of the Bridge Authority was embodied in the Great Depression during the 1930s and 1940s.

State finances were in short supply and an originally proposed plan for the state to build the Rip Van Winkle Bridge was vetoed by then Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. A possible precursor to the New Deal, Roosevelt supported the creation of an Authority, separate from state finances, to issue bonds for funding construction and repaying debt though the collection of tolls.

In 1933, during the construction of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, the Authority acquired the Mid-Hudson Bridge, originally built by the State Department of Public Works in 1930. Of note, the toll for a round trip across the Mid-Hudson Bridge for a car with 3 passengers in 1933 was $2.20, which would be over $30 in today’s money when adjusted for inflation.

The Rip Van Winkle Bridge was dedicated in 1935.

The Bear Mountain Bridge, originally opened by a private venture in 1924, was sold to the Authority in 1940.

The Authority dedicated the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge in 1957. The first span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge was opened in 1963, while the second span opened in 1980.

In 2010, through an act of the State Legislature, the Bridge Authority acquired the bridge structure of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park – the former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge – for maintenance purposes.

The law creating the New York State Bridge Authority is found in the Bridge Authority Act, currently Sections 525 to 542 of the New York Public Authorities Law.

The Authority believes its mandate imposes a responsibility to provide reliable, safe and convenient access across the river to all lawful traffic and to achieve that goal within the framework of a sound long-term financial policy. The elements of that policy are:

• An unqualified commitment to meet all obligations to the bondholders in the full letter and spirit of the Authority’s General Revenue Bond Resolution and the covenants made therein;
• A vigorous, integrated program of inspection, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation to insure the structural integrity of its facilities and the safety of its patrons;
• Control of expenditures to the extent consistent with prudent stewardship and responsible administration; and
• The lowest possible toll rates which at the same time enable the Authority to meet its obligations and responsibilities as well as provide for adequate financial reserves.

The area of New York State Law that empowers the New York State Bridge Authority is found in the Consolidated Laws of New York under Public Authorities, Article 3 (Bridge & Tunnel Authorities), Title 2 (Section 525-542): New York State Bridge Authority.

Information and photos taken from the site: nysba.ny.gov
Photo taken from the site: www.ny.gov/agencies