New York politicians are hoping the federal initiatives to create more jobs might just be what gets a new Tappan Zee Bridge built. The current bridge, which links the New York State Thruway to the New York City area, is in need of replacement and improvement (it lacks safety shoulders). Governor Andrew Cuomo is asking the federal government to expedite his earlier request for important infrastructure projects to create jobs. “The Tappan Zee Bridge is a vital part of our state and region’s infrastructure,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release. Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said, “I urge the federal government to expedite approval for this important project which will create tens of thousands of jobs. Major investments in infrastructure are exactly what New York needs to jumpstart our economy and restore safety to heavily traveled bridges and other arteries." The current debate in Congress over a jobs bill may delay this project beyond Cuomo's target to begin construction in 2012.