Community Corner

New Tappan Zee Bridge's Environmental Impact Released

Completed study outlines bridge's impact on Rockland residents, environment

Questions about how the  may affect air quality, and which residents will lose land, now have tentative answers, along with a slew of other queries and concerns.

The Department of Transportation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Tuesday for the proposed bridge.

The massive document sprawls across 23 chapters and addresses everything from noise and vibration to effects on the climate and soil to how the new span would affect the Hudson River's waters. It is not the final word on the project, but a penultimate draft.

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Also included is a comprehensive list is automobile accidents on that bridge from January 2008 to December 2010—in those two years, there have been approximately 2,000 incidents.

Another key aspect of the document is the timeline. Officials note construction could begin as early as this year.

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"New York has spent a decade talking, studying, and meeting about how to replace this vital bridge," said NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald. "But under Governor Cuomo's leadership we have been able to make significant progress in building a new Tappan Zee Bridge... which will create jobs and generate much needed economic development opportunities in the Hudson Valley." 

The undertaking is expected to create around 23,000 jobs, according to the DEIS document.

Still——there are no plans to outfit the crossing with mass transit right out of the gate.

"[But] the study does not rule out mass transit options," McDonald said, noting it could be layered on in later years.

Without mass transit, the price tag comes in at about $5.2 billion; with, $16 billion. Officials have stated the project .

In South Nyack, nine homes, one vacant lot, one green space and one park area—Elizabeth Park in South Nyack—could be eaten up by the project, according to the DEIS. The land acquired by the state equals 6.09 acres, and is worth about $4.4 million.

The document addresses ecological concerns, too, noting the project will adhere to all appropriate laws—like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which protects the birds and their nests and eggs, and the Clean Water Act, which seeks to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of waters of the United States."

Recently, local politicians have thrown their support behind the project.

"Governor Cuomo is right to make sure the Tappan Zee project moves forward as quickly as possible, while including the public and ensuring that all voices are heard," said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. "With the Draft Environmental Impact Statement now released, all New Yorkers will have a chance to offer their input and comments on this important project."

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski sounded off, as well.

"The Tappan Zee Bridge project is on the move, and that is great news for the economy and commuters of the Hudson Valley," he said.

There will be two public hearings, one in Rockland and one in Westchester, for the public to weigh in on the DEIS:

Rockland County
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Palisades Center
4th Floor Community Rooms
1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack

Westchester County
Thursday, March 1, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Westchester Marriott
Grand Ballroom
670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown

The DEIS notes, "Based on the findings of the DEIS and the written and oral comments received during the public hearings," a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) will be prepared. 

"Comments received during the public comment period, including those received at the public hearings, will be addressed in the FEIS," the document continues.

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View the full document here.

This is just a preliminary story; Patch will dig into the document, speak with residents and officials and investigate further in the coming days, weeks and months. Stay tuned for updates.


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