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Newburgh, NY - In an effort to improve the quality of life for residents and help spur economic development, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced $1,490,800 in new federal funds for the rehabilitation of historic downtown Newburgh. The new money, which Hinchey recently secured from Congress, will be used for various street upgrades in Newburgh, including paving and traffic signal replacement.
"With these new federal funds, downtown Newburgh will finally receive the facelift it has long needed to bring out its true character, improve the quality of life for residents, and to help strengthen existing businesses and create new ones in the area," Hinchey said. "This federal investment will really help move Newburgh in a positive direction. These significant improvements to downtown Newburgh streets will provide a tangible and clear example of the city's real progress in their ongoing revitalization efforts. These upgrades will also help to demonstrate and realize Newburgh's tremendous economic development potential."
The paving, curbing and other street improvement upgrades will be made in high priority areas, as identified by the city. Upgrades will be made in a way that retains and highlights the area's historic character. The work will be done in coordination with other improvements to infrastructure below the road surface as well as replacement of curbing. The areas to be repaired are Liberty Street from Broadway north to Water St.; Broadway from Grand St. to Colden St.; and South St. from Liberty St. to Water St. Aging traffic signals at a number of key intersections will also be upgraded.
Mayor Nick Valentine, who joined Hinchey for the announcement and brief tour of Liberty Street stated, "I would like to thank Congressman Hinchey for his ongoing efforts to help revitalize Liberty Street and Newburgh's historic district. We must work together to achieve success and to use this money in the best possible way. This funding is there to provide a visible improvement to several priority areas, including Liberty Street, so we in city government can attract more residential and commercial development."
The street repairs project is part of the effort to redevelop the east end of the city in conjunction with regional plans to improve the waterfront industrial area in Newburgh and restore much of the city's Hudson River access. These upgrades will strongly complement other revitalization efforts in the city, including the restoration of commuter ferry service between Newburgh and Beacon.
"In addition to making downtown Newburgh a better place to work, visit, and live, these federal dollars will spare local taxpayers much of the cost for these long-needed improvements," Hinchey said. "I am delighted to have secured these funds and look forward to helping Mayor Valentine implement the city's vision for a restored and vibrant downtown Newburgh."
Hinchey secured the funds for the historic Newburgh rehabilitation upgrades from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) legislation, which is a major transportation projects measure that the president signed into law in August.
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