Senecas to Collect Thruway Tolls

The Seneca Nation will start collecting tolls on the New York State Thruway in response to state taxes on wholesalers who deal with Indian retailers.

The Tribal Council has authorized an action for an advisory opinion to declare the Thruway an illegal invasion of soverign Nation terriorty, and increase the current toll to $2. In May of 2007, the Senecas assessed the state $1 for every vehicle that passed through the reservation. The state owes the Nation more than $20 million.

Seneca President Barry Snyder says the Tribal Council has authorized him to spend as much as $1 milllion to retain emergency response personnel; help with medical care to Nation residents; make sure children can get to school; and that all residents can go about their daily activities without interference.

They didn't say when the toll will go into effect. The Senecas say the impositon of state taxes on wholesalers who deal with them would pose a grave threat to to their livelihood.