Former Bridgeport Mayor to Head N.Y. Thruway Authority

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Former Bridgeport, Conn. Mayor Bill Finch was named to lead the New York State Thruway Authority.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday the nomination of Finch as the executive director for the large transportation agency. His nomination still needs to be confirmed by the State Senate.

"Bill Finch is a dedicated public servant and his combination of state and local government experience will be an asset to the Thruway Authority," said Cuomo in a statement. "The Thruway is a critical part of New York's transportation system and I look forward to working with Bill to ensure the safety and economic viability of our highways across this state."

Finch was Bridgeport mayor from 2007 to 2015 and oversaw a more than $500 million budget. He initiated a $750 million program to rebuild the schools in Connecticut's largest city. Prior to his work as mayor, Finch was a Connecticut state senator from 2000 to 2007.

Cuomo said Finch will be a key force leading the Thruway Authority on a $3.9 billion replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge scheduled to open in 2018. The Authority issued $850 million of Series 2016A general revenue junior indebtedness obligations on May 4 to fund a portion a portion of the bridge project.

"Either for commerce, recreational travel, economic development or commuting, the Thruway is a critically important link between all the communities it touches across the state," said Finch in a statement. "I am thrilled to call Albany my new home and to hit the ground running."

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Transportation industry New York
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