The New York State Thruway Authority will hold five statewide public hearings - including meetings in Syracuse and Rochester - to receive input on its proposed toll increases and multi-year capital plan.

According to a news release, the Authority has begun the public review process governing the proposed toll hikes and is seeking to incorporate many of the state comptroller's recommendations as it further considers the proposed hikes. The comptroller's recommendations, along with public input, will be used to develop a plan that preserves the safety of highways and bridges for Thruway users.

Hearings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the state Fairgrounds, Martha Eddy Room in the McNeil Art & Home Center 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse; and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 at Monroe County Community College, Monroe B Meeting Room, Brighton Campus, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester.

A sign-in period will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of each hearing, for people wishing to speak. Authority staff will be available to answer questions beginning at 6 p.m. Testimony will be taken beginning at 6:30 p.m. for those wishing to speak publicly. To allow everyone adequate time to participate, people wishing to speak at the hearing will be asked to limit their comments to five minutes, and are also asked to bring copies of their testimony. The Authority will also accept written testimony at the hearings for those who do not wish to speak publicly.