Tappan Zee Bridge Boondoggle: A Call to Action
January 25, 2012
Riverkeeper Team
New York is rushing the reconstruction of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and we need you to send a message to the Department of Transportation: Slow down, study alternatives and build the right project for the region's future (Deadline for comments is March 30).
The project as proposed fails to adequately consider mass-transit options, fails to consider alternatives that would lessen the impact on Hudson River ecology. The DOT has given the public only until March 30 to comment on its newly released Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and scheduled just two hearings.
At its inception, Riverkeeper fought to codify the public's right to raise concerns about the environmental impact of projects like this, and to argue for better alternatives. It's now a fundamental right we have as citizens, but it's being short-changed with this process.
Alternatives to the new four-mile eight-lane bridge New York wants to build, discounting the concerns raised by many local leaders, include refurbishing the existing bridge and building a tunnel, either of which could lessen the impact on the Hudson River ecosystem. Officials should consider the traffic impacts on a 30-mile corridor, not just the four-mile stretch over the Hudson, and how mass transit can alleviate traffic in neighboring communities. And they must consider the impacts on climate of a massive new project that will shape traffic patterns for generations.
What's more, because the money for the project isn't in place, the state has the time to do this process right.
Make your voice heard on this project. Call the DOT at 877-892-3685 and say the public deserves more time to consider and comment on its draft environmental impact statement. Then, take the time to send formal comments on its plan: tell the DOT to take the hard look required by law at alternatives that will lessen the impact on the Hudson River, the region's traffic, and our climate.
Send your comments by email to tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us, by fax to 845-454-7443, or by mail to:
Michael P. Anderson, Project Director
New York State Dept. of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
Also, plan to attend present written and verbal comments at a hearing. Two are scheduled. Officials will open the hearings from 4-9 p.m. and make presentations at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.:
Rockland County
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Floor Community Rooms
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, New York 10994
Westchester County
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Westchester Marriott
Grand Ballroom
670 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591