5/28/03-Gov. James McGreevey signed legislation May 27 to merge the toll-road authorities that run the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
The new law enables the Turnpike to assume the operations, facilities and financial obligations of the New Jersey Highway Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway.
S2352 is intended to avoid toll hikes on the Parkway and eliminate 131 duplicate positions.
The money saved – as much as $130 million over 14 years – would be reinvested for toll road improvements and help offset the cost of installing E-ZPass.

5/23/03-Gov. James McGreevey’s plan to merge the toll-road authorities that run the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway has gained passage in the Assembly.
The bill breezed through the Senate by a 39-1 vote in March. The lower house approved the measure 43-26 on May 22. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
S2352 enables the Turnpike to assume the operations, facilities and financial obligations of the New Jersey Highway Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway.
A prime sponsor of the bill, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, said the merger would eliminate 131 duplicate positions, and that it would prevent a toll increase on the Parkway.

5/7/03-The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a plan May 5 to merge the toll-road authorities that run the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
The bill would enable the Turnpike to assume the operations, facilities and financial obligations of the New Jersey Highway Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway.
S2352 now heads to the full Assembly. For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

4/30/03-A legislative panel approved a plan April 28 to merge oversight of the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
The bill would enable the Turnpike to assume the operations, facilities and financial obligations of the New Jersey Highway Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway.
The Assembly Transportation Committee voted 6-0 in favor of the merger. S2352 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

3/19/03-The New Jersey Senate voted to approve a plan to merge the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
S2352 would enable the Turnpike to assume the operations, facilities and financial obligations of the New Jersey Highway Authority, which operates the Garden State Parkway.
Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere said in a statement that the consolidation, if enacted by July, would produce $42 million in savings over the next six years and avert a Parkway toll increase. State officials had said previously that the merger would also enable the state to start work on a high-speed E-ZPass system and make needed repairs to roadways.
The bill is headed to the Assembly for consideration. An identical bill - A3392 - is in an Assembly committee.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

2/20/03-New Jersey officials have proposed a bill that would merge the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
According to a DOT statement, the legislation, unveiled by Gov. James McGreevey and Acting Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere, would save $42 million over the next six years.
State officials say the savings would enable the state to start work on a high-speed E-ZPass system and make needed repairs to roadways.
DOT said the bill would be introduced by Sens. Andrew Ciesla and Nicholas Sacco, Assemblymen John Wisniewski and Jack Conners and Assemblywoman Linda Stender.
A spokesman at the Legislature said S2352 would likely be introduced the next time the Senate has a quorum, which is scheduled for Feb. 27.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.