Governor Andrew Cuomo is has announced the selection of a review team to assist in selecting the final bridge design for the Tappan Zee ... Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The monumental task of replacing the existing 1950s-built structure that spans the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland counties, is expected to cost around 5.2 billion dollars. The Cuomo Administration has brought out some heavy-hitters, including prominent architects and artists, to help oversee the review of the design. The Selection Review Team includes architects Richard Meier, Alison Spear and Keith Brownlie, along with artist Jeffrey Koons, Metropolitan Museum of Art Director Thomas P. Campbell and Hudson River Valley Institute Director Thomas Wemuth.
Brian Conybeare is a special advisor to Governor Cuomo - he says the new bridge is expected to last 100 years before needing any repairs - it will ultimately stand between 150 to 200 years before it needs replacement.'
Brandon Sall, a Westchester County resident and member of the New York State Thruway Authority, chairs the selection team. Other team members include Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef and Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, who each have selected representatives for their counties' interests. The mayors of South Nyack and Tarrytown also designated their representives.
Cuomo concedes there are hurdles ahead, including getting Federal environmental approval and the Feds granting New York a loan to help pay for construction. Officials say the bridge team will recommend one of three bids submitted; a final formal decision will be made by the Thruway Authority, subject to the approval of its Board. They hope to get the winning contractor to work by the end of this year
