The Chamber

As an advocate for initiatives that will strengthen the economy, The Business Council of Westchester takes a leadership role in literally dozens of important economic issues. Among the many initiatives, one that stands out has been our advocacy for replacement of the aging and vitally important Tappan Zee Bridge. For more than 10 years, the BCW has been in the forefront of the efforts that have culminated in Governor Cuomo’s dramatic push to begin construction this year on a new bridge. This $3.14 billion mega transportation project will create 35,000 direct and indirect jobs and will be the most significant infrastructure project underway in the nation.

While the long-awaited construction is about to start, the on-going efforts of the BCW in support of the project will not come to an end. This year there will be funding and other initiatives related to the project that will be before the State Legislature and other state agencies, as well as the Federal government. There remains much work to be done to secure the final financing package. The Business Council will work closely with the Governor’s office, the Thruway Authority and other involved agencies to be assured that the necessary support is in place to keep the project moving.

Getting BCW members involved in this historic project has been a top priority for BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. The BCW played a key role in the efforts to conduct the studies of the existing bridge that ultimately led to the conclusion that a replacement was the best way to go. Despite what today may appear to be an obvious need for the replacement, over the years there was considerable push-back from different sectors of the community who raised many legitimate concerns that had to be systematically addressed for the project to advance. The BCW, working with other supporting organizations, conducted the forums, presentations, discussions and educational outreach necessary to work through environmental and other issues.

As President of Build the Bridge Now NY, Dr. Gordon led the coalition that raised the visibility of the project and built the public support that was needed if the project was to advance. Her role and that of the BCW now continues with Dr. Gordon having been named as a member of the Mass Transit Committee that has been established to evaluate the various options for the inclusion of mass transit with the bridge.

A first-class team of builders has been selected to construct what will be the largest infrastructure improvement project underway in the nation. The twin spans that will replace today’s 58-year-old single span will be mass transit-ready and will be sturdier and safer when it is completed in 2018. The Business Council of Westchester is proud to have taken a leadership role in getting the project to where it is today and we will continue our legislative efforts on the local, county, state and federal levels.

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