Andrew Cuomo had plans to bedazzle every state-run bridge in New York City. Now, with no signs of movement half a decade after the project's inception, newly released documents show for the first time that taxpayers spent $106 million on the project.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Andrew Cuomo had plans to bedazzle every state-run bridge in New York City. No matter how rusty and old, or new and polished, each was to get its ownThe new Kosciuszko Bridge linking Brooklyn and Queens got the treatment — and a Mother’s Day 2017 unveiling — that Cuomo heralded as the first stage of his grand vision.
But after POLITICO asked about the plans and the money that had been spent, Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said on Friday the endeavor would still happen — and cited tourism dollars from bridge lightings in San Francisco as evidence of the potential benefits, as well as attractions in London, Montreal, Paris and Philadelphia.
But as Cuomo faces multiple investigations related to misconduct allegations and other scandals tied to his administration, including one that could lead to his impeachment, a growing number of his legacy-boosting infrastructure projects seem to be ending in embarrassment — or bigger trouble. “We remain committed to working with our partners in government to invest strategically to modernize our infrastructure, improve transportation, and advance cutting-edge technology and innovation that benefits all New Yorkers and our economy,” Craig said.
The project was delayed for years while President Donald Trump was in the White House. But now that it’s time to move forward with a friendlier federal government, Cuomo seems to have some qualms on New York’s share of the bill for the $13 billion new tunnel. But the flashy bridge lights wouldn’t save any money for the MTA, which already worked with NYPA to install more efficient LEDs on its bridges. NYPA has also helped finance other big Cuomo projects without a strong efficiency payback — including some funding for lights and screen displays at the Moynihan Train Hall, a former post office turned into an extension of Penn Station.
No subsequent agreements to cover repayment were signed by MTA officials. NYPA moved forward under “a standing energy efficiency master service agreement, established in the early 1990s,” Craig said. The bridge lights were linked to other work being done on MTA’s bridges, including cashless tolling and security towers that drew scrutiny and outcry from board members. A NYPA spokesperson said at the time the authority was also doing work on a conduit system for security purposes.
“It was a known issue to our banking counterparties who constantly asked us when we were planning to come to market for a new debt issuance,” Fabela said. “We had expensive, callable debt on our books that were up for refinancing. For my entire time as treasurer I had to tell a story for why we weren't coming to market.”Before that, the last time it offered long-term bonds was in 2015. NYPA has plans for more major capital investments.
Kaehny said short-term borrowing also comes in much smaller amounts. He said the spending on the lighting projects raises questions about the independence and internal controls of NYPA. If it prevented NYPA from moving forward with capital investments, that’s also a major issue, he said.
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