ALBANY – State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has approved the $3.14 billion contract to build the new Tappan Zee Bridge.  The approved contract takes effect immediately.

The state recently named Tappan Zee Constructors to design and build the new facility over the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester counties.

The contract approval does not constitute approval of any financial plan, toll increase or debt issuance. The comptroller’s office will examine those issues separately and monitor and audit the Thruway’s finances to hold the agency accountable on issues of transparency, fiscal stability and operational efficiency.

Tappan Zee Constructors is a joint venture of Fluor enterprises, Inc., American Bridge Company, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. and Traylor Bros., Inc.

Rockland Business Association President Al Samuels said federal funding for the project will now begin to take shape.

“I’m very hopeful that in the first quarter of 2013 we’re going to see that this is truly a done deal and we can start this effort,” Samuels said.

“Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge is New York State’s largest single infrastructure project and is vital to our economic prosperity,” said DiNapoli. “To protect taxpayers, my office will closely scrutinize the Thruway’s oversight of the construction of the new bridge.”

He said the Thruway Authority is responsible for proposing a financing plan and must live up to its commitment to pursue the lowest cost options and keep the tolls as low as possible.

“Every effort must be taken to minimize costs for this project and protect the long-term fiscal health of the Thruway system”, DiNapoli said