May 4, 2012 The Honorable Andrew M.

Cuomo Governor of New York State NY State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: As you are aware, Staten Island is under a tremendous burden from the tolls on the four bridges connecting us to New Jersey and the rest of New York City. We are writing you today, united, as business leaders and elected representatives to express our deep concern for the Port Authority tolls and future yearly increases. The drastic toll increases scheduled on the Port Authority crossings through 2015 put Staten Island at a competitive disadvantage. Local businesses that want to expand and create new jobs cannot because the tolls prevent them from doing business outside of Staten Island. Many of our small businesses are seriously considering relocating to other boroughs or New Jersey. Between the tolls on the MTA-run Verrazano Bridge and the Port Authority controlled NJ bridges, new businesses refuse to open up shop on Staten Island because they understand that it is, in effect, closed for business. Since the proposal of the toll increases by the Port Authority in 2011, the Staten Island community has staunchly opposed any increase and will continue to advocate for fair and equitable tolls. Because the Port Authority tolls are a bi-state issue, Staten Island faces unique challenges that require unique solutions. We, as a community, have been working diligently to get relief from these tolls and have brought forward legislation which is pending on both the Federal and State levels. The Commuter Protection Act, introduced in the House and Senate, would give the US Department of Transportation the ability to determine whether tolls are just and reasonable. Both the NY and NJ State Senates passed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Oversight Act, which is designed to bring more transparency and accountability to the Port Authority by implementing independent audits, requirements for meetings, financial disclosures and fiduciary responsibilities. Further, there are multiple pieces of legislation pending in the NY State Senate and Assembly, which is sponsored and co-sponsored by all of the Staten Island elected officials, requiring independent assessments, hearing rules and tax credits. While these various proposals are being introduced and debated, Staten Islanders continue to suffer. In order for progress to be made, obstacles in the path of toll relief must be overcome. Although the Port Authority has enacted the Staten Island Bridge Plan for commuters and recently announced a 10% discount on 100 trips for businesses, these plans do not do enough to relieve Staten Islands businesses from burdensome tolls. The 10% discount plan for trucks does not apply to many businesses operating on Staten Island because they make less than 100 trips a month. Additionally, our local small businesses do not have the luxury of sending their trucks during off-peak hours. For the businesses that may be able to utilize the discount, 10% is insignificant considering tolls are set to
The Richard B. Irwin Building 130 Bay Street Staten Island, NY 10301 (718) 727-1900 Fax: (718) 727-2295 www.sichamber.com

increase by a whopping 125% over the next five years. The future of the New York Container Terminal, Staten Islands third largest employer, hinges on the cost of these tolls. Potential discounts for trucks that pass through the terminal depend on the results of a delayed economic impact study by the Port Authority. We cannot stress the importance of supporting the 500 well-paying jobs and considerable tax revenue that NYCT generates. According to the Federal Highway Administrations data in the year 2000, more toll revenue is generated at the four bridge crossings here on Staten Island than in 43 other states. If Staten Island were a state we would generate the 7th highest amount of toll revenue in America Texas would rank eighth. Approximately 50% of that revenue is generated at the three New Jersey crossings. Unlike other regional communities, Staten Island businesses and residents have no choice but to pay every time they wish to leave the county. We have all been working tirelessly to provide businesses and residents with relief from onerous tolls. Unfortunately, time is not on our side, as a second round of increases will be upon us in December. It is vital that further action be taken regarding Port Authority tolls on Staten Island and that you recognize the consequences of high tolls on the community loss of jobs, lack of economic activity, and the severe competitive disadvantage this fosters. If Port Authority funds continue to be used to subsidize other, state specific projects, rather than reinforcing regional connectivity, communities like Staten Island will continue to get squeezed out. We implore you to re-visit the Port Authority tolls increases with an eye towards keeping Staten Island Open for Business. Our community cannot fight these tolls alone; we absolutely need your understanding and help! Sincerely,

Linda M. Baran, President & CEO Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

Robert E. Kelly, President Building Industry Association of NYC, Inc.

Mr. Steve Coppola, President NARI - Staten Island Home Improvement Contractors Association

Cesar Claro, President & CEO Staten Island Economic Development Corporation

Sandy Krueger, CEO Staten Island Board of Realtors

David J. Rampulla, President BUCKS Business Network

The Richard B. Irwin Building 130 Bay Street Staten Island, NY 10301 (718) 727-1900 Fax: (718) 727-2295 www.sichamber.com

Congressman Michael Grimm 13th Congressional District

Assemblyman Matthew Titone 61st Assembly District

Senator Andrew Lanza 24th Senatorial District

Assemblyman Lou Tobacco 62nd Assembly District

Senator Diane J. Savino 23rd Senatorial District

Council Member Vincent Ignizio 51st District

Assemblyman Michael Cusick 63rd Assembly District

Council Member James S. Oddo 50th District

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis 60th Assembly District

Council Member Debi Rose 49th District

The Richard B. Irwin Building 130 Bay Street Staten Island, NY 10301 (718) 727-1900 Fax: (718) 727-2295 www.sichamber.com