Environmental Advocates Fight Cuomo on His Plan to Fund New Tappan Zee Bridge

   The New York League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Advocates of New York and other groups wrote to the state's Environmental Facilities Corporation today urging its board members to reject what they say is an improper use of money that's dedicated to drinking water and water quality projects.

 Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo says he wants to use $511 million in Environmental Facilities Corp. loans to the Thruway Authority to fund measures to protect the Hudson River and marine life while building a new span to replace the 60-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge bridge.

But Peter Iwanowitz with Environmental Advocates of New York says the plan would raid funds that could go to crucial improvements to environmental infrastructure elsewhere.

"We have sewer systems that are collapsing; we have waste water treatment plants that are in desperate need of upgrading, and drinking water systems that need to be improved so that people can have safe drinking water," he said.  "We can ill afford to waste precious resources today in that pot of money for things like bridge construction."

Iwanowitz and other advocates want to postpone a vote on the plan that's scheduled for Thursday.  He says they are also asking state legislators to block the deal if it passes and would consider taking legal action if necessary.