My Long Island State Senate colleagues and I, recently teamed our efforts in a letter of strong opposition to the Long Island Technical Advisory Committee (LITAC) of the New York State Department of Transportation regarding the concept of establishing tolls on any of Long Island's parkways.

We recognize that the members of LITAC are required by federal law to evaluate all potential strategies to facilitate travel in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Long Island's population, unique geography, and environmental needs will require innovative solutions to meet our future transportation demands. It is important that the members of the committee focus their valuable time and talents on only those potential improvements which are technically and environmentally feasible, fiscally responsible, improve transportation safety and enjoy strong public support. The placing of tolls fails every one of these important requirements.

Tolls on our parkways are an unacceptable alternative that must be removed from any further consideration. As a member of the New York State Senate Transportation Committee, I look forward to working with LITAC on more productive strategies to improve our region's quality of life through common sense transportation ideas and approaches.