The New York Times-20080128-Comptroller Audit Critical of Toll Increase- -Brief-

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Comptroller Audit Critical of Toll Increase; [Brief]

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Thomas DiNapoli, the New York State comptroller, released a report on Sunday urging the state's Thruway Authority to call off a toll increase that the agency had planned for July. The audit of the Thruway Authority says the agency should put off increases until it analyzes its expenses, operations and projects. The audit examined the calculations used in justifying proposed toll increases in July 2008, January 2009, July 2009 and January 2010. Mr. DiNapoli's report recommended cutting costs, using a collection agency to collect unpaid E-Z Pass tolls, and prioritizing capital projects. We disagree with the financial impact of the recommendations, said Michael Fleischer, executive director of the authority. We believe it would be just a fraction of the revenue necessary to continue making the proper investments in the highway. Compiled by Denise Fuhs