The Tappan Zee Bridge project advancesCounty Executive Robert P. Astorino Tuesday issued the following statement, reacting to developments on the federal and state level with the project to rebuild the Tappan Zee Bridge.  

"In June, I asked Governor Cuomo to make rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge a priority and told him I was ready to stand with him to make it a reality. I was pleased that President Obama and the Governor have agreed to expedite federal approval of the project.

"Both Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef and I have long stressed the importance of the bridge to the entire northeast region. The Tappan Zee does not only serve as a pathway between Rockland and Westchester counties, it is a major transportation artery, servicing up to 170,000 vehicles per day. If the bridge were to close for any reason, the economic consequences would be catastrophic. It's time for the planners and engineers to put down their pencils and move into the construction phase. Over the summer, I hosted Majority Leader Skelos and Senator Fuschillo, the Senate's Transportation Committee Chairman, on a fact-finding tour of the bridge to highlight the need for immediate action.

"Both County Executive Vanderhoef and I reiterate our support for this vital infrastructure initiative and look forward to working with our partners in government to begin rebuilding."