Metro

Cuomo considering new ideas for paying to replace Tappan Zee Bridge

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’s considering new ideas for paying to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge after the federal government rejected a $2 billion loan application.

The proposed $5.2 billion project is a high priority for Cuomo. It would build two spans to replace an aging, overcrowded bridge across the Hudson River in New York City’s northern suburbs.

Cuomo downplayed rejection of the loan by the Obama administration on April 26. He says Thursday there will be future rounds of the competitive loans and New York will have a strong application for the next opportunity.

Director of State Operations Howard Glaser says announcements about the project are expected in coming weeks.

Cuomo says he’s considering public-private partnerships that could leverage private financing, but he has no proposal at this time.