Rockland, Westchester County Executives Offer Idea For Tappan Zee Bridge Funding

NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The county executives of Westchester and Rockland said they have an idea to fund the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to put a 50 percent down payment on the bridge utilizing the $5 billion settlement with two banks over economic and tax improprieties, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

"Our figures show that using $1.9 billion in this settlement, the already high tolls on the Tappan Zee bridge will likely be able to be held at its current levels," Day said.

Day describes it as a "reasonable, workable and smart solution."

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is on board, saying it makes financial sense.

"The less that they have to finance, the better it's going to be for everybody," Astorino said. "This will lower your cost, it'll cut your cost in half which will mean far less interest rates."

Both are looking to avoid massive toll hikes on the bridge, saying that could crush the economy.

"Any toll hike from these already high tolls will not only add commuting costs, but will drive away substantial business," Day said.

WCBS 880 has reached out to the governor's office for comment.

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