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Highland, NY - In an effort to restore the historic Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced $874,000 in new federal funding that he secured for the bridge project. Hinchey said the new funds would be used to assess the status of the bridge, make whatever stabilization repairs are required, and begin construction on phase one of the project.
"These new federal funds are critical to finally restoring the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, which will bring a wide array of new recreational and economic opportunities to the region," Hinchey said. "The bridge itself will be a destination site on its own merits and since it will connect 30 miles of trails it will also help draw additional visitors to the region."
Phase one of the project includes the stabilization of the walkway onto the bridge from the western shore of the river (Ulster County side) and construction of an observation deck. Completion of the project will yield a trail spanning the Hudson River that will link over 30 miles of trail systems -- the Maybrook Corridor Trail in Dutchess and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Ulster.
"Restoring the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge is a win-win situation for everyone," Hinchey said. "Not only will we get to enjoy the beautiful views from the bridge and the 30 miles of trails, but the resulting economic activity from new visitors to the area will benefit the region's economy. I look forward to working closely with our local leaders and will do whatever is needed of me in Congress to ensure that the bridge project moves forward at a steady pace."
The Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge is 116 years old and stands 212 feet above the Hudson River. The bridge has been closed to rail traffic since a 1974 fire damaged it.
Hinchey secured the funds for the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) measure, which is a major transportation projects bill. The president signed the measure into law in August.
Joining Hinchey at the press conference were Board Members of Walkway over the Hudson -- including Mitch Markay as well as Poughkeepsie Mayor Nancy Cozean, Lloyd Supervisor Bob Sheppard, Karl Beard from the National Park Service, Jeff Avenzino from Scenic Hudson and other local elected officials and community leaders.
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