EPA derails Cuomo's Tappan Zee funding plan

(AP) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says his administration will appeal a decision by federal regulators to reject his plan to use clean water funds to help finance the new Tappan Zee Bridge. The Environmental

News 12 Staff

Sep 17, 2014, 1:44 AM

Updated 3,678 days ago

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(AP) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says his administration will appeal a decision by federal regulators to reject his plan to use clean water funds to help finance the new Tappan Zee Bridge.
The Environmental Protection Agency says Tuesday it has rejected $482 million of the $511 million in federal clean-water loans Cuomo had proposed for the bridge.
The administration says the loans would reduce the bridge's $3.9 billion price tag while helping to reduce the project's environmental impact.
The EPA specifically rejected proposals to use the money for dredging and removing the existing span. The agency approved some smaller projects related to the bridge, including marsh restoration.
Environmental groups praised the decision, saying funds for drinking water, sewers and other water projects shouldn't go to bridge construction.