Brooklyn Battery Tunnel renamed for ex-Gov. Carey

The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on Monday became the latest Manhattan entryway to be renamed in honor of a prominent New York elected official.

It was officially rechristened in honor of the late Gov. Hugh Carey. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who led the ceremony, joined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other elected officials, said the renaming was fitting because Carey revitalized the Financial District during the turbulent 1970s.

"Gov. Carey was a true New Yorker and dedicated public servant who saved our state from the brink of bankruptcy and financial ruin," Cuomo said in a statement.

Carey, who died last year at 92, served as governor from 1975 to 1982.

In 2008, the Triboro Bridge was renamed the Robert F. Kennedy bridge after the U.S. senator who was assassinated in 1968 while running for president.

The Queensboro Bridge was renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge last year in honor of the former mayor. At the time, Koch said he was "elated" at the name change.

"It's the best gift from anyone," he said.

Koch was widely praised for rebuilding the city's infrastructure -- including its bridges -- during his tenure.

The structure was made famous in the Simon & Garfunkel song "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)."