Malliotakis Encouraged That AAA Lawsuit Against Port Authority Will Move Forward

The following is a press release from the office of State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis:

MALLIOTAKIS ENCOURAGED THAT AAA LAWSUIT AGAINST PORT AUTHORITY WILL MOVE FORWARD

Court dismissed motion for preliminary injunction, but case will proceed to discovery

Yesterday, Judge Richard J. Holwell ruled against a motion for preliminary injunction, filed by the Automobile Association of America (“AAA”) against the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.  Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn/Staten Island) joined Congressman Michael Grimm (R,C-NY-13) in submitting an amicus brief this past October supporting AAA’s argument that the recent Port Authority toll increases were illegal.

Assemblywoman Malliotakis stated, “While the judge’s ruling does not grant a preliminary injunction to roll back the tolls immediately, we’re pleased that the suit was not dismissed and the case will move forward. AAA will now have an opportunity to conduct discovery so the court can truly determine whether or not these toll increases were illegal. This fight is far from over.”

Assemblywoman Malliotakis and AAA cited numerous claims by the Port Authority that the increased toll revenue would go toward redevelopment of the World Trade Center, rather than its transportation network, in arguing that the toll increases were unjust and unreasonable.  Staten Island’s only roads of egress are over four bridges, three of which are subject to Port Authority tolls.

AAA will now conduct discovery, enabling them to review internal Port Authority records and continue their argument against the toll increases.

State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis represents Assembly District 60, which includes parts of Eastern Staten Island and Bay Ridge.