Federal Judge Rules NY Thruway’s Diversion of Toll Revenue for Canals Is Unconstitutional

Reuters reports, “A federal judge on Wednesday [August 10] said the New York State Thruway Authority’s practice of diverting toll revenue it collects from commercial truckers to maintain upstate canals is unconstitutional.” The American Trucking Associations, which filed the litigation, issued a statement in which CEO Chris Spear states, “ATA believed that the courts and Constitution were clear – revenue from tolls must be spent maintaining the roads they’re collected on. . . . We hope today’s ruling will not only end this practice in New York, but dissuade other states from financing their budget shortfalls on the backs of our industry.” [Editor: The court’s opinion is designated American Trucking Associations, Inc., et al. v. New York State Thruway Authority, et al., No. 13-08123 (US SDNY).]