MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting despite state lawmakers' March rejection of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's plan to merge the Bridge Authority with the state Thruway Authority, he have his way after all and take control of the agency that operates the five crossings over the Hudson River in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Although Cuomo's merger plan was not approved, the legislation that did pass does allow him to replace the current Bridge Authority members. The authority has seven positions; two are currently vacant. The state Senate Finance Committee July 23, was scheduled to consider a resolution by the governor to remove all five active members, including chairman Richard Gerentine. At the same time, Cuomo is looking to appoint seven new members to fill out the board. The legislation will also authorize Bridge Authority operations to go into a shared services agreement with the Thruway Authority. According to MidHudsonNews [dot] com, insiders say this is the first step toward a complete takeover of the Bridge Authority by the Thruway Authority. State Senator Sue Serino was adamantly opposed to the merger when it was first proposed and she is now urging her colleagues to denounce the new plan. “It raises significant red flags and about the state’s intentions and I urge my colleagues to oppose any unnecessary appointments," Serino said. The Bridge Authority owns and maintains the Newburgh-Beacon, Bear Mountain, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson, and Rip Van Winkle bridges as well as the Walkway Over the Hudson. The Thruway Authority owns and operates the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.