Morahan seeks rail alternative to Tappan Zee Bridge

Albany-State Sen. Thomas P. Morahan, R-Nanuet, is asking his colleagues on the MTA's capital program review board to include a downpayment for cross-Hudson rail service as an alternative to the Tappan Zee Bridge. In a press release, the state senator, who represents Tuxedo and Warwick in Orange County, said rail service across the Hudson River would enable people to cross the Hudson between Rockland and Westchester in an efficient, less congested and more environmentally sound fashion. "We believe that this is an excellent opportunity for the MTA to seriously consider the prospect of including a downpayment for cross-Hudson rail in its capital plan," wrote Morahan and fellow Rockland County legislators, Assemblymen Ryan Karben and Kenneth Zebrowski. "Cross-Hudson rail service must be an integral part of any regional transportation plan that will shape the region's transportation network for the foreseeable future." The Morahan's request noted that as the MTA Capital Programs Review Board examines alternatives to the Tappan Zee Bridge, that any new or rehabilitated cross-Hudson span include a mass transit component in order to cut down on traffic and minimize pollution. Metro-North President Peter Cannito has indicated that the Final Environmental Impact Statement concerning the Tappan Zee Bridge Project will be concluded in 2007 or 2008.