Artists, Lawmakers to Help Design New TZ Bridge

A team of artists, architects, politicos and CEOs will play a significant role in designing the , Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday evening.

Some 44 individuals—some local, others international—will comprise the state's "review team," made up of a core selection committee and advisory members.

"For this project, we are creating a different kind of review team—it's a team that combines technical experts, architectural experts, local experts as well as artists to ensure the new bridge is the best choice and fit for the region," Cuomo said.

All team members will undergo "rigorous procurement training," Cuomo added, and will be evaluating issues like toll prices, traffic management, bridge lifespan and aesthetics.

After a period of research, the team will be able to recommend one of three bidders to the state; the Thruway Authority, however, has the final say when selecting a bidder to build the Hudson River crossing.

The team is subdivided into several categories, including legal, financial, community representative, construction, public outreach and environmental groups.

A handful of familiar faces sit on the team; Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef and South Nyack mayor Patricia DuBow both played a role.

"Rockland County is pleased that the Governor has invited us to be a key player in the review of the construction proposals for a new Tappan Zee Bridge," Vanderhoef said. "I have appointed my Commissioner of Planning and Public Transportation Tom Vanderbeek, who is a professional engineer, to be my representative on the selection committee."

"With Commissioner Vanderbeek's active and intense participation, the committee will be diligently reviewing, evaluating and discussing the construction proposals," Vanderhoef added.

Marquee names on the team include Jeffrey Koons, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Thomas P. Campbell, Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Keith Brownlie, an internationally acclaimed bridge designer.