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Newburgh, NY - U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) was joined by state and local officials today for the inaugural crossing of the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, which will restart ferry service between the two cities for the first time since the opening of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge in 1963. Hinchey started the project in 1996 and since then has worked to secure funding and regulatory approvals.
"It's been nearly a decade since I first initiated work with the City of Beacon and the Army on this plan to restore Beacon's ferry dock, so I am thrilled this historic day has finally come," said Hinchey. "The ferry service will provide benefits for everyone. Commuters from the west side of the Hudson will now have a quick and reliable route to the Beacon train station, instead of wasting time and gasoline on the traffic-clogged roads that lead to the Metro North terminal. The City of Newburgh will see more economic activity on its waterfront and in its historic district due to increased pedestrian traffic. Dutchess and Orange counties will benefit from fewer cars on overcrowded, overstressed roads."
Hinchey, who formerly represented the City of Beacon, initiated work with the Army Corps of Engineers on a plan to enable the reconstruction of that city's ferry dock in 1996, while also securing a $187,000 grant for a Newburgh study on waterfront improvements. These efforts were followed by a Newburgh feasibility study, which Hinchey initiated, for ferry service in 2001 and $3.6 million in HUD grants and loans which he obtained to fund dock construction and improvements in both cities. In 2003, Hinchey secured a $900,000 appropriations earmark to fund the ferry infrastructure, while U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly secured a $750,000 earmark to cover the lease of a ferry from NY Waterway.
Over the past two years, Hinchey has also worked with the Army Corps and the Fish & Wildlife Service to obtain necessary permits for the ferry dock at Newburgh and to amend the permits for the Beacon dock, which was slightly altered since the original Army Corps permits were issued. Hinchey has also continued to work with NYSDOT and Metro North Railroad to ensure that the issue of operational funding for the ferry service was resolved and service could begin.
Ferry service from the Newburgh ferry dock to the City of Beacon's Metro North commuter station received a ceremonial kick-off today, with daily passenger service beginning on Monday, October 17. Parking at the Newburgh waterfront is free, and discounted commuter passes for the ferry service will be available.
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