White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Thruway Authority Picks Tappan Zee Contractors. Least Expensive Proposal

Model of New Tappan Zee Bridge Shown in New York Monday Thruway Goes With Bridge Number 1! WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. From Brian Connybeare, New York State Thruway Authority. December 17, 2012 UPDATED 10 P.M. E.S.T.: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today, after a meeting of the New York State Thruway Authority resulted in selecting Tappan Zee Constructors, the least expensive bidders to construct the new bridge: Computer-created view of new Bridge Seen from West Bank of Hudson River. WINNING BRIDGE, looking East from Nyack. “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.”

Brian Connybeare, an aid to the Governor on the Tappan Zee Bridge project, in a statement notes: "Preliminary construction work will begin after the new year though no firm date is set. No word on when we may hear about TIFIA."

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.”

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.”


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