Environmental groups are urging a state board to reject New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to use clean water funds to help finance the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Cuomo wants to use $511 million in loans from a clean water fund on the $3.9 billion bridge project. The plan must be approved by the state’s Public Authorities Control Board.

On Wednesday several environmental groups wrote to the board urging it to defeat Cuomo’s proposal, arguing that it would be an inappropriate use of funds intended to pay for drinking water, sewage and other water projects.

The letter was signed by leaders of 11 groups including Environmental Advocates of New York, the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association and the Natural Resource Defense Council.

(AP)