Hudson Valley News

A former congressional representative and her husband will deliver the commencement address at a college in the Hudson Valley.

New York State has reached an agreement with two Hudson Valley environmental groups on a Department of Environmental Conservation permit needed for constructing the replacement Tappan Zee Bridge. The agreement also gives the groups a seat at the table in monitoring the construction.

The environmental permit is one of the last certifications the state needs to move forward with construction, and those involved with the project say it’s critical. Brian Conybeare is special advisor to Governor Andrew Cuomo for the New NY Bridge Project.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, Cold Spring) asked President Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to reduce the impact of sequestration on civilian employees.

The lawmaker’s request came in a letter to both officials in support of legislation to give more flexibility to the Pentagon on sequestration cuts and to shift more than $10 billion into Pentagon operations and maintenance accounts.

HAMLET OF WALLKILL – Cardinal Timothy Dolan visited the Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill Wednesday where he celebrated a special mass with inmates and staff as he delivered his Holy Week message of hope.

Cardinal Dolan first prayed with the inmates at the maximum security facility and then gave a heartfelt sermon assuring those who are incarcerated that they are not alone spiritually and God has not forgotten about them.

TARRYTOWN – The state has reached an agreement with environmental 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 Tappan Zee Bridge.

As a result, the state Department of Environmental Conservation Wednesday issued an environmental permit containing the protections authorizing the New York State Thruway Authority to proceed with construction.