Nassau County Bridge Authority
Nassau County Bridge Authority is a public benefit corporation established by the New York State Legislature in 1945 primarily to finance the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, which is located between the Villages of Atlantic Beach and Lawrence. The bridge serves as a major conduit to the barrier island which consists of Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Point Lookout and Lido Beach. the JFK Memorial Park, recreation fields and emergency Helipad fields that are used by emergency management and for evauction, the marine rescue station leased to the Atlantic Beach Fire District and the Nassau County Police Department 4th Precinct Police substation.
History and operations
Nassau County Bridge Authority was established in 1945 by the New York State Legislature and considered a State Authority.It started the construction of the second Atlantic Beach Bridge in October 1950 and completed in May 1952. The authority operates and maintains this bridge, with ownership vested in the County of Nassau. Additionally, the authority undertakes the construction and maintenance of other public facilities, such as the JFK Memorial Park, recreation fields and emergency Helipad fields that are used by emergency management and for auction, the marine rescue station leased to the Atlantic Beach Fire District and the Nassau County Police Department 4th Precinct Police substation.
Members of the Board of Commissioners are typically established community and or business leaders that are appointed with confidence in their abilities. The Nassau County Bridge Authority Board consists of five non-salaried members appointed by the Nassau County Executive with the approval of the County Legislature. Each member serves a staggered five-year term.
The Board of Commissioners are:
Name |
Position: |
Residence: |
First Appointed by: |
|---|---|---|---|
Vincent Pasqua |
Chairman |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
Emily Austin |
Commissioner |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
Monica McGrath |
Commissioner |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
Arnold Palleschi |
Commissioner |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
Anthony Licatesi |
Commissioner |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
The Board of Commissioners conducts monthly public meetings to review operations, policies, financial controls, and safety measures. The authority has implemented financial management procedures and invested in infrastructure projects to enhance operational efficiency.
The Past and Current Chairman
Name: |
Position: |
Residence: |
First Appointed by: |
|---|---|---|---|
Samuel Nahmias |
Chairman Commissioner |
Lawrence, NY |
Bruce Blakeman |
James Vilardi |
Chairman Commissioner |
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Helen Evolovich |
Chairman Commissioner |
||
Peter Gerbasi |
Chairman Commissioner |
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Bridge features and utilization
The Atlantic Beach Bridge spans 1,173 feet with six lanes, a 68-foot-wide roadway, and a six-foot-wide walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Its 153-foot bascule draw span provides a vertical clearance of 33 feet. The bridge serves as a vital transportation link, connecting the Village of Atlantic Beach and the Long Beach barrier island to the Five Towns area, Far Rockaway, and the Greater Metropolitan area. It also serves as a designated coastal evacuation route.
Financial operations
The authority's annual operating budget is financed through toll revenues. In November 2022, the authority approved a toll increase effective January 1, 2023, to cover costs for capital infrastructure projects, including installing EZ Pass.
Regulations and oversight
The United States Coast Guard governs bridge opening regulations and requirements, which are outlined in the New York State Official Compilation of Codes, Rules, and Regulations.