The westbound lanes could open late this year. The bridge will
fully open by early 2018.
ALBANY – A bill to designate the new Tappan Zee Bridge as “The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge” has passed in the state Senate. The measure, sponsored by Senator William Larkin (R, Cornwall-on-Hudson), awaits action in the Assembly.
Larkin, a 25-year-veteran of the Army who retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel, said the naming holds no disrespect to former Governor Malcolm Wilson, for whom the current bridge is named.
“Let the people of New York and across the nation say thank you, thank you to our American military men and women who gave something of their life in honor of our country and they are awarded the highest award, the National Purple Heart Medal,” he said.
Larkin was a driving force in establishing the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor as well as a forever Purple Heart postage stamp.
There could be one glitch in the new name plan. Larkin said there are rumblings that the Assembly may want to name it the Governor Mario Cuomo Memorial Bridge after the late governor and father of current Governor Andrew Cuomo.
