Cuomo: Toll hike plan a 'non-starter'

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called a proposal to nearly double tolls at bridges and tunnels to New Jersey a "non-starter" Tuesday but was decidedly more open about the possibility of expanding casino gambling in New York.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last week unveiled a proposal to dramatically hike tolls at its Hudson River crossings. Fees for a car crossing at rush hour, for example, would go from $8 to $15.

Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie -- either of whom could veto the proposal -- have expressed shock at the plan, even though both have appointees on the Port Authority board.

"I think that proposal is a non-starter, for obvious reasons," Cuomo said a State Capitol news conference.

Cuomo said more study is needed to determine the financial condition of the Port Authority, although he didn't rule out some eventual toll increase.

"I want to have that information before this decision is made," Cuomo said. He later added that there was no political "appetite" for imposing congestion pricing on New York City commuters.

In contrast, the governor said he is "actively" reviewing the issue of gambling as a whole, which may include the legalization of non-Indian-run casinos.

"The gaming issue is an issue this state has to come to grips with," Cuomo said. "It's something that we are presently looking at. Is it a constitutional amendment? I don't know, but it's a topic that we are looking at actively."

Cuomo said the state lacks a cohesive gambling policy, with a fractured array of thoroughbred horse tracks, harness racing tracks with video slot machines, Indian-run casinos and lottery games. His long-term plan is to develop a more coordinated approach, an aide said.

Senate Republicans have revived talk for amending the state constitution to allow commercial casinos in New York.

The last time such a proposal came up more than a decade ago the Senate killed it.