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Abinanti Opposes New York’s Appeal Of EPA Loan Decision

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburg/Mount Pleasant) has publicly opposed New York State’s appeal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s denial of an application to borrow $511 million in federal funds to construct the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

New York Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.

New York Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.

Photo Credit: File Photo

In September, EPA officials rejected most of the proposed loan. New York State officials had a month to appeal the decision and hired a major Washington, D.C. law firm to do so.

“Not only is this a waste of time, but it is a waste of money,” Abinanti, who represents the Tarrytown side of the bridge, said in a news release.

“The federal government has already approved a different loan for the State. What is so important about getting another loan – not a grant - that we have to hire an expensive D.C. law firm?”

Abinanti opposed the loan application back in July because he believes the State should pursue federal clean water funds for clean water projects and not the new Tappan Zee Bridge. The assemblyman lauded EPA officials for rejecting the application.

“It’s time we faced the reality that we have to pay for the bridge – we can’t borrow the costs forever,” said Abinanti.

“In spite of the Thruway Authority’s unproven claims that the loan will save us money, in fact, adding another loan just adds additional costs that have to be paid back.”

 

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