I grew up in New Rochelle, New York. From the time I was little, I can remember making frequent trips across the Hudson River on the Tappan Zee Bridge in order to get to upstate New York.

The Tappan Zee is a heck of a sight. Including its east and west approaches, the bridge runs to nearly three miles. Wikipedia lists its height as a clearance of 138 feet above the Hudson. However, when driving across the center span it looks to be a lot higher, and provides a view of New York City to the south and the Hudson Valley to the north, including the Indian Point nuclear plant.

Recently, the bridge was targeted for replacement due to its aging structure. The Obama Administration has plans to replace it with a more modern bridge.

As someone who has crisscrossed that bridge at least a hundred times in my life, I think I'd be sad to see it demolished and replaced. However, if such work is necessary in order to build a newer, safer bridge, here's what occurs to me: I hope that the new bridge is constructed with American-made steel.

When I think of all the problems that California has had in using Chinese-made steel for its replacement Bay Bridge, I hope no one involved in the planning of the new Tappan Zee Bridge will make the same mistake. I want to see safe, quality, American-made steel used in the new bridge. Plus, if my tax dollars are being spent on this bridge, I want to see it go toward American-made steel. This way, I'll know that my money is supporting jobs here at home.