Mayor Roach Appointed to TZB Task Force

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach is one of 28 leaders from throughout the region appointed to a task force that will oversee development of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

The New York State Thruway Authority announced the task force Friday. The 28 members include Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, affiliates of the state's transportation department and leaders of several relevant organizations.

The Mass Transit Task Force will have the responsibility of reviewing long and short-term transit options for the new Tappan Zee Bridge over the next year. The group will also be tasked with creating a corridor management plan to ensure a viable transit program.

Roach said this week that developing a transit component to the proposed new bridge will be key for the task force moving forward.

"I am honored to have been selected and look forward to serving," Roach said. "Mass transit is an essential element in ensuring economic growth, a healthy environment, and overall quality of life in the City of White Plains and the region as a whole. Without a transit component, any new bridge would simply deliver, perhaps more elegantly, commuters into the same congested roadways."

The Thruway Authority recently presented three bridge proposals to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. All three proposals are capable of providing mass transportation.