 
The Tappan Zee Bridge project was recognized as a necessary and strategic investment for the region”™s planned future, according to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC).
Getting federal funding for specific regional needs such as the bridge was addressed at last week”™s draft review meeting of the 2010-2035 Regional Transportation Plan at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
 “The plan is a long-range financial scorecard of what we”™re likely to get,” said Gerry Bogacz, director of planning for the group. “Generally, we”™re looking at very significant growth in our region over the next 25 years. That is the challenge. We all know what it”™s like in our region now.”
The NYMTC”™s planning process is required by federal transportation legislation, he said. ?The group”™s nine voting members represent Nassau, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York City Department of City Planning, New York City Department of Transportation and the state Department of Transportation.
Bogacz said the Tappan Zee Bridge project and I-287 corridor improvements are included under the umbrella of “Projects Related to Desired Growth Areas in the NYMTC Region,” but have not been finalized.
The projected cost of the Tappan Zee Bridge project is an estimated $16 billion; a transit-oriented development training initiative was recently developed for municipalities in Rockland and Westchester counties.
The long-range needs forecast reported nearly $1 trillion in funds, an estimated $983.3 billion, which included: $289.7 billion for replaceable infrastructure consistent with life expectancy, $661.1 billion for operations and maintenance, $29.8 billion for foundation projects and $2.6 billion for safety and mobility.
The estimated long-range transportation resource forecast was $996.5 billion when supplemented by $13.2 billion from an added roadway-based revenue stream. Â
Possibilities include: charging motorists for miles traveled, gas taxes or additional tolls, Bogacz said.
Key transportation trends included the following:
- Work trips increased by 13.6 percent between 2000 and 2006.
- Single occupant vehicle work trips increased by 11.5 percent between 2000 and 2006.
- Public transportation trips to and from work increased by 21.7 percent.
- Commodity shipments are expected to increase by 85 percent in 2030.Â
NYMTC voting members work collaboratively as the metropolitan planning organization for New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley; maximum federal funds are sought to achieve planning goals.?The plan development began in 2006 as a method to forecast significant growth in the region for the next 20 to 25 years, Bogacz said. The plan was released on July 1 and has been made available for public review until Aug. 1.
