The federal government has approved the environmental-impact statement for a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and Gov. Cuomo said yesterday the bridge has passed “a significant milestone.”
Although financing still must be arranged and permits still must be obtained, the governor said he considers federal approval the biggest hurdle.
“Building the bridge is actually the easy part,” compared with getting the environmental OK, Cuomo said during a conference call with reporters. He said the state expects all three bids to be less than $5.2 billion.In October, President Barack Obama declared the bridge eligible for fast-tracked federal approvals. Cuomo praised the state’s quick work since then and said he believes the bridge is ahead of other fast-tracked projects aro
“Not that it’s an easy task, but relative to the environmental review, it’s a straightforward task. So this is the aspect that had me holding my breath.”
The impact statement, released last month, concluded that the bridge will have no major, lasting environmental effects. It included a long list of measures that will be taken to protect fish and people during construction.
For example, curtains of air bubbles will be used to shield underwater creatures from the noise of pile driving. Monitors measuring noise and particulates will be placed throughout the area and can be checked in real time online.
Cuomo said federal approval means New York can award a contract to one of the project’s three bidders, a decision expected within several weeks.
The state has requested a federal loan of between $2.4 billion and $2.9 billion, depending on the size of the approved bid. Bonds based on new tolls could also help finance the bridge.
Cuomo has expressed displeasure with state estimates of a $14 toll, up from the current $5. He said Tuesday that a decision on tolls would have to wait until the bridge’s cost is known.