BILL NUMBER: S4441REVISED 5/14/25
SPONSOR: STEC
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
exempting veterans and those on active duty from paying certain fees for
travel
 
PURPOSE:
To exempt veterans and active duty service members from fees collected
for travel on the New York world war veterans memorial highway in Essex
County and the Prospect mountain veteran's memorial highway in Warren
County.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 - Exempt veterans and active duty service members from fees
collected for travel on the New York world war veterans memorial highway
in Essex County and the Prospect mountain veteran's memorial highway in
Warren County.
Section 2 - Provides effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York world war veterans memorial highway, which ascends White-
face Mountain, and the Prospect mountain veteran's memorial highway,
which climbs Prospect Mountain, honor the sacrifices and dedication of
U.S. armed services members.
As such, those who served, or are serving, should be exempt from fees
collected to access the roadways. This is especially true ahead of the
250th anniversary of the nation's founding on July 4, 2026.
In 2024, more than 7,500 veterans and active duty service members
accessed the memorial highway on Whiteface Mountain, at a cost of $10
each, according to the Olympic Regional Development Authority.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7654 reported to Finance; A8181 referred to Environmental
Conservation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Approximately $75,000 annually
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4441: 9-0903 environmental conservation law, 9-0903(2) environmental conservation law