President Approves Governor Cuomo Request

Expedited Federal Approval Granted in Tappan Zee Bridge Project

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that President Barack Obama has approved New York State's request to expedite the review and approval process to allow work to begin on the Tappan Zee Bridge project.

The Tappan Zee project represents a multi-billion dollar investment that will create tens of thousands of jobs and restore a critical part of the Northeast's transportation infrastructure.

President Obama launched a competition where states could submit their high priority, job-creating projects in order to win expedited federal approvals, and New York submitted the Tappan Zee project in to the competition.

With this expedited federal review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the processing of certain permits, the Tappan Zee project could begin as early as next year, potentially creating more jobs than any other infrastructure project in the country.

"I want to thank President Obama, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration, for selecting the Tappan Zee Bridge project and recognizing that moving forward with the project is key to New York's economic future," said Governor Cuomo.

"This is a shot in the arm for the project and a major step forward to restoring this key piece of our infrastructure and putting tens of thousands of New Yorkers back to work."

"I applaud the federal government for expediting approval of this important project, which will create tens of thousands of jobs and protect thousands of commuters as they make their way across the Tappan Zee every day. As Senator Fuschillo and I have made clear since we toured the Tappan Zee Bridge with County Executive Astorino in July, rebuilding this bridge and investing in our infrastructure must continue to be a priority," stated Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

"I commend Governor Cuomo and Senator Fuschillo, the Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee, for their leadership on this critical project, and look forward to working together with all parties until it is complete."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver noted, "I am pleased that President Obama has agreed to fast track review of this critical project. Investments of this size have the potential to transform the region’s economy, create jobs, and renew confidence in our state’s economic revitalization. I commend Governor Cuomo for taking the lead and reaching out to the White House so that we can move forward with the Tappan Zee project and ensure this vital transportation link."

Photo source: The White House
Author: Pete Souza

Permission: The White House