Attempts to purchase the bridge from the toll company were numerous in the 1930s and 1940s. A bill was defeated in 1931 by Governor of New York Franklin Delano Roosevelt that would have authorized the state to investigate purchasing the bridge. Roosevelt vetoed the bill, stating that the New York State Department of Public Works can choose to investigate without a legislated act. The state made an effort in 1933 which was unsuccessful. In 1937, the village of Waverly made an unsuccessful attempt to have the bridge bought by the state as part of construction of a road out of Waverly to improve connections. By July 1, 3,000 people had a signed a petition to have the structure purchased that would be delivered to Governor Thomas Dewey. The state declined the petition however, citing that the bridge company wanted too much money for the transaction.