GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS ON SUPPORT FOR NEW NY BRIDGE 

DEC Issues Permits Outlining Extensive Environmental Protections and Mitigation During Construction 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the state has reached an agreement with groups Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson on permits that will include extensive environmental protective measures and mitigation funding to protect the Hudson River and minimize environmental impacts during construction of the New NY Bridge. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued an environmental permit containing these comprehensive protections authorizing the New York State Thruway Authority to proceed with construction.

“We are making record progress on building a new bridge for the Hudson Valley while ensuring the comprehensive protection the environment and natural beauty of this region,” said Governor Cuomo. “Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson’s support for the state’s extensive environmental protections is a critical step forward for the New NY Bridge.”

“Riverkeeper is pleased to join Governor Cuomo and Scenic Hudson in finalizing this key permit that will protect the Hudson River and enable the new Tappan Zee Bridge project to move forward,” said Paul Gallay, President and Hudson Riverkeeper. “The significant reduction in dredging and the use of smaller pilings, coupled with a strong DEC permit, increased mitigation funding and the state’s agreement to give us a seat at the table in monitoring the construction all add up to a project we can work with. Together with our partner Scenic Hudson, we will continue to ensure that the new Tappan Zee Bridge is built in a way that safeguards our river while providing local communities with the modern infrastructure they need.”

“Scenic Hudson is proud to have achieved, through this permit and agreement, stronger protections for the river and communities that could be impacted by the project,” said Scenic Hudson President, Ned Sullivan. “Working collaboratively with Riverkeeper and the Cuomo administration, we have produced significant improvements to the project design that will result in fewer and less intensive environmental impacts. Also our advocacy has led to mitigation funds that will restore important habitat and give a boost to riverfront revitalization efforts in Westchester and Rockland County communities. We applaud the governor’s team for working with us to create a positive outcome”

“DEC worked with Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson and the Thruway Authority to develop a permit that best protects the river and environment,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “The end result is a stronger permit that will provide important ecological benefits in addition to advancing vital new infrastructure.”

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has shown that it can undertake a huge transportation infrastructure improvement and do so in record time,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison. “The environmental review and procurement for the New NY Bridge were completed in little more than a year, with extensive public involvement, and while the pace was fast, the deliberations were thorough and no shortcuts were taken. We will continue to work closely with environmentalists and others in the Hudson Valley as we develop and implement mitigation measures.”

During the public comment process on the draft permit, Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson expressed concerns regarding various mitigation measures necessary to compensate for claimed or potential impacts associated with construction of the replacement bridge. After consultation and agreement by DEC to increase mitigation funding, both groups have agreed that the final permit addresses these concerns.

The DEC permit approval meets construction deadlines for the new bridge and will mandate an extensive program for fish and water quality protections. DEC determined that the bridge construction will only have minimal and short term effects on local endangered species the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon. In addition, the DEC issued environmental permits requiring $10 million in environmental enhancements, consisting of research measures and ecological improvements in the Lower Hudson that will compensate for the potential impacts of in-river construction activities.

The specific environmental enhancements for the project include the following:

• · Restoring a former river channel at Gay’s Point to provide fish spawning habitat
  · Replacing 13 acres of oyster beds disturbed during construction
  · Eradicating 200 acres of invasive species and restoring the natural flow of Crumkill Creek in Piermont Marsh
  · Reducing storm water pollution and improving water quality in Sparkill Creek through a green infrastructure project
  · Studying the restoration of historic wetlands in Piermont Marsh
  · Designing and implementing a series of additional habitat enhancement and rehabilitation projects, to be determined in consultation with Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson.

DEC’s permit contains comprehensive requirements to minimize the environmental effects of construction. These protective actions include the use of sound attenuation systems to safeguard fish from acoustic effects of pile driving, seasonal limits on dredging to avoid peak fish migration and spawning, monitoring sturgeon movement during construction, and requiring an independent Environmental Compliance Monitor to observe the work and report back to DEC. Now, only the Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corp approvals are required.

Under the permit, the Thruway Authority will implement an outreach campaign in the commercial fishing industry to reduce the impact of commercial by-catch of Atlantic sturgeon in the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, the permit requires actions that will enhance scientific understanding of sturgeon life in the river such as mapping their habitat, analyzing their diet and adding to the number of sonically tagged sturgeon to study their movement.

The Thruway Authority will also conduct a stakeholder process, in collaboration with Scenic Hudson, to develop and implement $1.5 million in community-based waterfront revitalization projects, to be designed in consultation with the NYS Department of State and DEC.

Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, “After more than a decade of gridlock and millions of taxpayer dollars spent, we have ended the dysfunction of the past and have a new bridge proposal ready to break ground next year. Following an extensive review of all three proposal submissions, the Thruway Board has selected the Tappan Zee Constructors’ plan which offers New York toll payers the biggest bang for their buck – with the best price, shortest construction time, minimal dredging, and can accommodate mass transit in the future. This is a major milestone for a bridge project that was a metaphor for the dysfunction of government and is now a national model for progress.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge is critical to our region’s economic development and continued vitality. It is a major milestone for the Thruway Authority to select a proposal that minimizes cost to taxpayers and construction time, maximizes benefits to commuters and other travelers, and accommodates mass transit in the future. I will work with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the federal government does its part to help with this project of national importance.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said, “We are glad the Thruway Authority Executive Board chose the option which is least expensive to the public, and has a lesser environmental impact on our region. I have been saying for many years that this should be the method chosen. I am pleased to see that the option selected allows for the addition of mass transit in the future – as I believe this is something which would be important to commuters. I have been working on bringing about a new bridge for the last 10 years, and it is very promising to see progress being made. A new bridge is not only necessary for transportation, but will be a boom for economic development in the entire Hudson Valley region.”

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said, “Today’s vote by the Thruway Authority board marks a major step forward in building a new bridge across the Hudson River that will benefit Westchester County, New York State and the nation. The selection of the proposal by Tappan Zee Constructors delivers on three critical fronts: cost, completion time, and mass transit readiness to carry express buses on day one. And after so many years of gridlock, building a safer and less congested bridge as soon as possible is the most attractive option for Westchester. I thank the Governor and his team for their thorough review and for the appointment of the mass transit task force that will identify short, medium and long term transit solutions for the new bridge and the I-287 corridor.”

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said, “This proposal provides the best price, the shortest construction time, and the least impact on the Hudson River. It maximizes the use of taxpayer and toll payer dollars. I commend Governor Cuomo for his leadership in moving this project forward and urge the Thruway Authority Board to select the proposal submitted by Tappan Zee Constructors.”

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “After over a decade of indecision and gridlock, we finally have a decision today for a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee. The chosen proposal, submitted by the Tappan Zee Constructors, gives the toll payers of Putnam County the best price, a bridge to last over 100 years, and a bridge that will be built the fastest. I support the Thruway Board’s vote and look forward to seeing this project finally break ground and begin construction.”

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Today’s decision by the Thruway Authority marks a critical step in the process of replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge. Today’s selected proposal provides great value to the taxpayers of New York. It is the cheapest option and can allow construction to begin as early as next year. It can also be built in the shortest time, will accommodate future mass transit and have the least dredging on the Hudson River. I am pleased to support today’s vote and applaud the Governor for making this a priority.”

Senator David Carlucci said, “The Thruway Authority has selected a clear winner for a proposal to build a new Tappan Zee bridge. The Tappan Zee Constructors’ plan builds a bridge that is the least expensive and can be completed the fastest. It will also last over 100 years without requiring major repairs, can accommodate future mass transit, and have the least environmental impact. I am pleased with the outcome of the board’s vote and look forward to working with the authority and Governor Cuomo as the construction process moves forward.”

Senator William Larkin said, “I congratulate the board on voting for the Tappan Zee Constructor’s proposal for the new bridge. This design is the most fiscally responsible option that will take the shortest time to build. In addition, this proposal will reduce congestion, add a bike and pedestrian path and require the least dredging on the Hudson River. This was an excellent choice and I thank the board for their hard work and dedication to this project.”

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef said, “I congratulate the Governor on his clear focus and perseverance to get the Tappan Zee Bridge Reconstruction Project on a fast track. I am very pleased that the Thruway Board is voting today on the winning team for this project. The designs that have been released to the public seem to have more to offer for a lower price than originally believed, as well as making a smaller environmental impact. I hope the winning team will continue to work towards the goals of building an efficient, beautiful bridge that will serve this area and our transportation and commerce needs, as well as those of the state, for many decades to come while still preserving the health of the majestic Hudson River which it spans.”

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee said, “Today marks a major step forward in the decade-long journey to build a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee in the Hudson Valley. I look forward to working with the Governor to ensure this project enhances Rockland County and will improve the safety of the well-being of Hudson Valley.”

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun said, “The vote by the Thruway Authority selection committee marks significant progress on the project to build a new bridge for the Hudson Valley region. With this proposal selected, we can move towards putting that plan into action and build a new and safer bridge that will create jobs, eases traffic, and is transit-ready. I thank the Governor’s leadership on this project and the committee for selecting a proposal that is the least expensive, is environmentally conscious and will be completed the fastest.”

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski said, “The bridge selection committee has made the right recommendation for a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee – endorsing the bridge proposal that will be affordable, create the best new design for the river and give Rockland residents the best possible new bridge. I was pleased to have Rockland County’s representative join with the committee’s unanimous decision and I commend Governor Cuomo for pushing for as much transparency as possible including releasing these designs and prices to the public. I urge the Thruway Authority Board to vote for the selection committee’s recommendation and look forward to continuing to work with the Governor on building this new bridge.”

Assemblyman Gary Pretlow said, “I have followed the State’s progress on rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge for many years and give great credit to Governor Cuomo for taking charge and making it happen. This project will be of vital importance to our communities here along the river. It will provide much needed mass transit options, a safer and easier crossing, and tens of thousands of jobs for local residents.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins said, “I fully support the selection committee’s recommendation of a bridge proposal that will best compliment the natural beauty of the Hudson and provide the best value to Westchester residents and all New Yorkers. Governor Cuomo has brought local leaders into this process by including Westchester County on the selection committee. Today’s early public preview of all the bridge designs and prices is a continuation of the Governor’s commitment to make the entire process of choosing a new bridge as open and inclusive as possible. I am calling on the Thruway Authority’s Board to approve the selection committee’s recommendation so we can begin building this exciting new bridge.”

Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman of Rockland County Legislature, said, “Thanks to the focused leadership of Governor Cuomo, the project to build a new bridge to replace the obsolete Tappan Zee has once again made a leap forward. Today, the Thruway Authority board has voted for a proposal to build a new bridge that meets the needs of New Yorkers. We are promised a bridge that will befit the Empire State and the majestic Hudson River. The winning proposal will be completed the fastest, with the least impact on the environment and at the lowest cost. I am thrilled to support this vote and anxious to see construction begin.”

Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said, “Today’s vote by the Thruway Authority is great news for the families and businesses of Westchester County. Not only does this proposal offer the lowest price for our toll payers, but it also means tens of thousands of new jobs for our families. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, this project is finally becoming a reality and giving our region’s economy a critical boost.”

Ross Pepe, President of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc., said, “With today’s selection of the Tappan Zee Constructors’ plan, the project to build a new bridge for our community is taking a huge step forward. Now, the project can move toward the construction phase, to create thousands of jobs for families in the region. I thank the Governor for his leadership which has been vital in pushing this project forward.”

Al Samuels, President and CEO of the Rockland Business Association, said, “The Tappan Zee Constructors’ proposal was the clear winner today. It provides the best price for toll payers, which benefits both commuters and local businesses in Rockland County. With today’s vote, we can put this plan into action, building a more secure and updated bridge for the Hudson Valley and generating thousands of much-needed jobs for the region. I commend Governor Cuomo’s leadership on this project and the Thruway Board for their expeditious review.”

TARRYTOWN, NY – After spending more than $80 million and holding nearly 500 public hearings, New York State government is on the verge of picking a winner in the decade-long campaign to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge.  The New York State Thruway Authority Board is expected to vote on Monday, December 17, as it decides the merits and costs of three proposals to build the new dual span beginning in early 2013.

“The three proposals recently unveiled to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge with new spans is great news for the motorists of New York State,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, president, Business Council of Westchester, Inc. and president, BuildtheBridgeNowNY.org, the leading coalition of business, industry, labor and commuter groups that support the replacement project. “There is a potential savings of more than $1 billion compared to earlier estimates of $5.2 billion to replace the existing span, which could mean lower projected toll increases on the bridge,” added Dr. Gordon.

Of the three design-build proposals submitted in the bidding phase of the project, the BuildTheBridge coalition has prompted its more than 3,000 members and association organizations to express their opinions. Given the cost savings, shortest timeline for construction, and least amount of dredging required, the group backs Proposal No. 1, submitted by the design-build team named Tappan Zee Constructors.

“Our high expectations to build a world-class bridge must be balanced with the realities of this new age of limited resources,” said Ross J. Pepe, treasurer of coalition and president of the Construction Industry Council(CIC) of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. “Both the coalition and the CIC urge our state officials to continue to press forward for a bridge replacement design that produces real, long term transportation safety improvements in this congested corridor in balance with what we can afford to spend.”

The coalition elaborated that the cost of Proposal No. 1, at $3.142 billion, was nearly $850 million lower than the next-priced bid. Meanwhile, the construction period, at five years and two months, shaved more than seven months from the next-best bid. Finally, Proposal No. 1’s reduced impact on the environment was enormous, reducing the dredging of the Hudson River floor by more than 600,000 cubic yards compared to the next competitive bid for this aspect of the work.

For more information on the coalition, visit http://buildthebridgenowny.org or call George Drapeau at (914) 631-6070 or by email at cicwhv@aol.com.

# # #

 About BuildTheBridgeNowNY.org

BuildTheBridgeNowNY.org is a statewide coalition of business leaders, construction professionals, trade and labor associations, public safety officials and many more who are calling for a new Tappan Zee Bridge to be built while state and federal funding is available. Visit them at http://buildthebridgenowny.org or call George Drapeau at 914-631-6070 or cicwhv@aol.com.

The state Thruway Authority on Dec. 5, 2012 released three designs to build a new Tappan Zee Bridge. The $3.1 billion bid from Tappan Zee Constructors has won the state’s recommendation. (Video by WGRZ/wgrz.com)

A public preview of bridge designs can be found here: http://www.newnybridge.com/thruwaybridgedesignpresentation.pdf

Tappan Zee Constructors has won the state’s advisory committee recommendation to build the new Tappan Zee Bridge for $3.1 billion, a source close to the selection process told The Journal News on Wednesday.

The consortium, which includes the company that built the existing 3-mile Tappan Zee 57 years ago, offered the least expensive bridge plan among the three teams competing for one of the largest public works projects in the country.

The suggested design for the Tappan Zee replacement, a cable-stayed bridge, has oddly angled towers on each span, a feature so unique it’s never been used in the United States, a state official said. He added that he knows of only one bridge — in Russia — with a similar element.

The twin-span bridge would also include a concrete deck on top of steel girders. Like the other two options, it would be strong enough to carry trains in the future. In addition, it would have deck connections in four places that can be used to turn traffic around in emergencies.

The crossing would have 35 piers in the river and be made up of 350-foot long spans to create the road deck. Those spans would be six times longer than the current ones. The proposal also calls for less dredging during construction than the state initially said would be required.

The Thruway Authority on Wednesday released the three proposals for the new bridge, but did not identify each team’s proposal, citing federal rules.

“To get a bridge to this point in a year was really a fantastic accomplishment,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a presentation at the Capitol.

Officials also announced that the state’s 38-member review panel had chosen the $3.1 billion bid because “they determined it was the best value,” said Brian Conybeare, a special adviser on the project.

The three proposals pegged the replacement cost between $3.1 billion and $4 billion, all much less than the initial construction price tag of $5.2 billion. Still, the proposal prices are preliminary estimates and don’t include another $600 to $800 million for expenses such as financing and management, state officials said.

American Bridge Co., which built the Tappan Zee, and Fluor Enterprises are members of the recommended Tappan Zee Constructors team. Those two firms are also involved in the $6.4 billion reconstruction of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. A joint venture involving Kiewit Infrastructure and Skanska USA and a partnership of Bechtel Infrastructure and Tutor Perini also submitted proposals.

The construction time for each proposal was more than five years. Work is expected to begin next year.

Though the state’s panel has selected Tappan Zee Constructors, the Thruway Authority board makes the final decision. The board is set to vote for a winning team on Dec. 17. Until then, officials said the public can weigh in on the proposals on the bridge project’s website: http://www.newnybridge.com.

The design review team’s recommendations will be a major factor in the final decision, said Thomas Madison, the Thruway Authority’s executive director.

The contract award will have a ripple effect for homeowners in Rockland and Westchester.

A group of six neighbors in South Nyack are waiting to learn if they’ll remain in their homes during construction or they’ll be bought out, as most of them want. The state originally planned to take the homes but reversed that decision in May. The homeowners have asked the state to reconsider.

Homeowners said state officials have told them the contract award would allow the state to finally make a decision.

“It would be good to finally come to some kind of closure because everything has been up in the air for the longest time,” said John Cameron, who has lived in his South Broadway home with his wife, Hope Elliott Cameron, for the past six years.

A state official told Cameron and his neighbors they have reason to be “optimistic,” which he believes means the state will ask the winning bidder to buy the homes, he said.

Not everyone was satisfied with Wednesday’s developments, though.

Veronica Vanterpool, executive director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, charged that the state’s preview of the proposals was incomplete. Her group has pushed for the plan to include mass transit along the Interstate 287 corridor.

“The proposals are still unclear about what mass transit ready means,” Vanterpool said in an email to The Journal News. “We look forward to an announcement of the TZB transit task force so these details can be hammered out. The proposals came in significantly below the projected $5.2 billion price tag, creating a greater opportunity to incorporate low-cost, bus rapid transit improvements into the project.”

Riverkeeper, the Hudson River’s leading advocacy group, was also not eager to endorse any of the proposals. Riverkeeper has criticized the state’s plan for not adequately addressing how the project could harm marine life.

“Riverkeeper is not surprised that the state has identified a reduced dredging option,” president Paul Gallay said. “We and the rest of the public need more information as to how this will affect the project’s overall environmental impacts, and we will seek to have those discussions with the state as soon as possible.”

Al Samuels, president of the Rockland Bussiness Association, said he agreed with the selection committee’s recommendation, which he said “makes the most sense.”

Plans for the new bridge have moved swiftly since last year, when the Obama Administration named it one of 14 top priority infrastructure projects across the country. In September, the Federal Highway Administration gave final approval to the project’s environmental study, allowing the replacement plan to proceed

It remains unclear, however, whether the federal government will give the state a low-interest loan. In its loan application, the state had said a new bridge could cost up to $5.9 billion. Without a significant loan, state officials warned of soaring tolls. Officials had said the current $5 cash toll could rise to $14.

Rockland Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell said Wednesday she wants to know what a smaller price tag means for those toll increases.

“I’ve talked for years about not putting the tolls on the backs of commuters,” Cornell said.

Written by: Theresa Juva-Brown, Khurram Saeed and Joseph Spector. The Journal News – 12.6.12

The three proposed designs for a new Tappan Zee Bridge. Proposal 1 is at top, Proposal 2 in the middle and Proposal 3 at bottom. The state didn't release the names of the companies that made each design. The construction time for each proposal was about five years. The state's selection committee recommended proposal #1.

Westchester, Rockland and Putnam County executives will support the $5.2 billion plan to replace the aging Tappan Zee Bridge.

The announcement was made earlier this afternoon in Sleepy Hollow and confirmed Wednesday night by The Journal News.

The county executives called for a regional task force to study options for commuter rail and other mass transit options. The task force will make final recommendations in a year.

have said in the past they support building a new bridge, but have held off publicly committing to the governor’s plan, arguing that they need more details on the project, such as how the bridge will be financed, what it will look like, and whether construction will impact river life.

Local county leaders sit on the nine-member voting board of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which has to unanimously approve the $5 billion plan to replace the bridge. A rejection from NYMTC would prevent federal authorities from allowing the project to proceed, and the state cannot award a contract until it gets final consent from the federal government.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo cheered the county executives’ announcement in a statement.

“Building a new, better bridge to replace the Tappan Zee and ending the dysfunction that has delayed this project for over ten years has been a top priority since I took office,” Cuomo said. “County Executives Robert Astorino, Scott Vanderhoef and MaryEllen Odell have consistently supported our efforts to replace the Tappan Zee and I am pleased that they are pledging to vote for our plan to build a safer, transit-ready bridge.”

(L-R) Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef,

TARRYTOWN, NY – It all depends how you do the calc. Daily commuters could be paying as little as $1.20 more per day crossing the new Hudson River bridge in 2017, the equivalent of 60 cents each direction. Or, it could be $2 more to cross a new Tappan Zee Bridge replacement span when measured against what the tolls would be on the existing span five years from today.

For state official Larry Schwartz, the decision is a “no brainer”: Build the new bridge, pay the higher tolls.

At a press conference Sun., Aug. 5, a host of Rockland and Westchester County public officials endorsed Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plans to build a new Tappan Zee Bridge, including three former Westchester County Executives, state officials stressed that tolls on the span will increase no matter if a new bridge is built or not.

The estimated toll increase for commuters that use E-ZPass to cross a new transit-ready span would be approximately $.60 more per trip as compared to the toll that would be required to help pay for the necessary maintenance and upkeep of the outdated and unsafe existing bridge.

Larry Schwartz, secretary to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, told the media “Under any of the options, tolls will have to rise.” He pointed out that commuters who use E-ZPass, would pay an estimated $7.20 in tolls to cross the existing Tappan Zee Bridge to help pay for the necessary repairs to the span. If a new $5.4-billion bridge were to be built, the estimated toll for commuters that use EZ-Pass would be $8.40 to cross the new safer, transit-ready bridge. He stressed that toll hikes would be imposed in five years no matter if a new bridge were built or not.

Those lower toll prices are based on the current 40-percent discount offered to commuters who register through E-ZPass that commit to making a minimum of 20 trips per month over the span. Regular E-Z Pass users would pay an approximately $13.30 toll to cross the new span.

The bridge toll for cash customers who would cross the new transit-ready Tappan Zee Bridge is estimated at $14, while the toll for cash customers for the existing bridge to help pay for the estimated $3 billion to $4 billion in necessary repairs in forthcoming years is estimated at $12. Tolls for a new bridge and new 30-mile Bus-Rapid Transit System were estimated at $16.80 for commuters and $28 for cash customers.

The current Tappan Zee Bridge toll is $5 for cash customers; $4.75 for E-ZPass users; $3 for commuters who enroll in the Thruway Tappan Zee Bridge Commuter Plan and 50 cents for carpool commuters who commit to a minimum of 20 trips per month.

Mr. Schwartz, who discussed the various bridge toll options at a press conference held on Sun., Aug. 5 at the New York State Thruway Authority offices adjacent to the Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Plaza in Tarrytown, said, “I don’t know why certain people in the media have been leading with the $14 (cash) number. We were clear in the public meeting that a majority of the people who use this bridge are commuters (who use E-ZPass) and some people have chosen to focus on the cash price instead of the commuter price.”

Commuters who travel across the George Washington Bridge pay $12 in tolls; while commuters on the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges pay $13 and are not afforded any E-ZPass discounts.

In a prepared statement, Gov. Cuomo addressed the toll increase issue by stating, “The choice is clear, the tolls commuters will have for a new, better transit ready bridge are roughly the same as the tolls they will have to pay repair the old Tappan Zee Bridge which will still be dangerous, congested and unable to handle any transit. Instead of paying more for the same bridge, its time to invest in a new better bridge that will create jobs, reduce congestion and give the region a real transit option.”

At the press conference a host of political leaders from both sides of the Hudson endorsed the governor’s plan to replace the existing Tappan Zee Bridge with a new transit-ready bridge.

“When you look at the numbers, the choice is clear. We should invest in getting a better bridge for our region. At the end of the day if you are a regular commuter the difference between keeping the old, broken down bridge and buying a new better bridge is just around a dollar. After all the money we have wasted on maintaining the old bridge, its finally time to invest in building a new safer bridge that relieves congestion and last 100 years,” said former Westchester County Executive and Lt. Governor Al Del Bello.

Former Westchester County Executive Andrew O’Rourke added, “There is no question that we need to finally build a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee, which is dangerous and broken down. Instead of toll payers being forced to pay for repairing the old bridge, the smart responsible option is clearly investing in building a new better bridge, which will only cost regular commuters $1.20 more. I support Governor Cuomo’s plan for building a new, transit ready bridge that will serve our region for over a century.”

“Now that we finally are coming to the point where the possibility of a new bridge is becoming a reality, its important that the public understand the choices they face. Regular commuters can pay higher tolls to repair an old dilapidated bridge, unaffordable tolls for a mass transit system, or pay $8.40 to get a new, safer, transit ready bridge, with extra lanes, emergency vehicles access and a dedicated bus (lane). These are the options facing the public, and to me the choice is clear, instead of throwing money away on repairing an old broken bridge, we should invest in a new bridge,” said former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano.

Others who spoke in support of replacing the existing Tappan Zee Bridge included State Senator David Carlucci who said, “Its clear to me that the best option for our region is investing in building a new bridge now which will be safer, result in less congestion and be transit ready on day 1.” He added that the new span would include a dedicated bus lane and would create tens of thousands of jobs for residents of the region. “We need a new bridge and we need it now and I am proud to support the governor’s plan to build one,” he said.

Let’s keep up the positive momentum to build a safe bridge and put 40,000 people to work, despite proposed toll increases.

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From News 12 (08/03/12) – Drivers not happy with proposed toll hike for Tappan Zee

TARRYTOWN – Drivers say they’re not happy with the proposed toll hikes for the new Tappan Zee Bridge that were proposed last night. The proposed rates would be around $14, which is nearly triple what drivers pay now.

State officials released projected toll prices during a community meeting held last night in Rockland. Cash tolls would cost around $14, E-Z Pass users would pay around $13.30, and local commuters would pay about $8.40. State officials defended the high numbers, saying even if they opted to just refurbish the current bridge, tolls would still have climbed to around $12.

Many residents that spoke to News 12 are shocked that they are going to have to pay nearly three times as much as they are paying now.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) along with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) have prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to examine the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project, and where adverse impacts are identified, it discusses measures to mitigate them.

Copies of the FEIS are available online at www.newnybridge.com (formerly www.thenewtzb.com) and for review and copying during business hours at the repositories listed here.

This document is available for public review until September 4, 2012 after which time a Record of Decision will be issued. Questions or comments regarding this FEIS should be sent to:

Michael Anderson
New York State Department of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
or email tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us

The Record of Decision will address any new or substantive comments made during the public review period.