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Kingston, NY - In an effort to keep his constituents informed on the status of local projects for which he has secured a total of $5.64 million in federal funds, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today gave an update on the status of the initiatives. Hinchey discussed the latest involving $1.04 million he secured for a walkway along the Kingston waterfront, $1.04 million for improvements to Uptown Kingston, $2.1 million for a new water and sewer system line on Kings Highway in the Town of Saugerties, $960,000 for street upgrades in the Village of Saugerties, and $500,000 for the relocation of the dangerous intersection of Tissal Road and Kings Highway in the Town of Saugerties.
"Many local residents have come up to me and asked about the status of the projects for which I brought home money from Washington last year," Hinchey said. "I want to make sure everyone is aware that these projects are either underway, or expected to begin in the near future. Unfortunately, some of the projects haven't moved as quickly as we'd all like, but the most important thing is that the money is there and these initiatives will move forward."
Hinchey secured $1.04 million in a major transportation bill passed in 2005 to enhance Kingston's waterfront promenade by constructing a landscaped trail from the Rondout waterfront to Kingston Point. The trail will provide new waterfront recreational opportunities, with greater access to the Rondout and the waterfront commercial district. It will link the proposed developments along the waterfront and serve as a destination for residents and tourists. Funds will also be used for streetscaping, including trees, lighting, benches, and other amenities. The city is currently working with NYSDOT to get final approval to begin construction. Once approved, the City can begin design work and expects to go to bid for construction in January.
The congressman also obtained a separate $1.04 million in the same bill for streetscaping in Uptown Kingston, including trees, lighting, sidewalks and curb cutting at intersections. The funds will help to implement a plan for the historic district created by the city and the Uptown Business Association, including the restoration of the Pike Plan. The city is currently working with NYSDOT to access the funds; they expect to file a project management plan next week. Once the plan is approved, they can begin design work and hope to go to bid for construction in January.
Using his position as a member of the House Interior Appropriations Committee, Hinchey brought home $2.1 million last year to extend water and wastewater infrastructure along Kings Highway in the Town of Saugerties, allowing for continued commercial development along that corridor. The town is working with engineers to complete the design of the system and to secure additional funds.
"In addition to helping improve the economy and quality of life of local residents, these federal funds spare local taxpayers from the full cost associated with these important projects," Hinchey said.
For the Village of Saugerties, Hinchey successfully obtained $960,000 in the transportation bill to help Saugerties' nine-point beautification plan, which includes such projects as improving street lighting, Main Street cleanup, parking lot repair, and tree revitalization. Eight blocks of the downtown area have been designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautification plan seeks to emphasize the area's historic features. Hinchey had previously secured $325,000 to help with the plan. These funds will allow for the installation of paving stones, which will be more durable and more consistent with the village's historic character. Currently, some sidewalks have been repaired, overhead electric lines have been buried, more than 50 historic lamp poles have been added and historic street signs have been placed throughout the village. The Village is anticipating approval soon from NYSDOT for the completion of the projects.
In last year's transportation bill, Hinchey also secured $500,000 for Tissal Road in the town of Saugerties, which serves as an entrance to the Northeast Solite plant and is intersected by a CSX rail line. Much of the traffic leaving and entering Tissal Road is from tractor-trailers entering the plant. The configuration of the intersection of Tissal Road and Old Kings Highway is such that a truck waiting to exit Tissal Road onto Old Kings Highway has much of its trailer on the railroad tracks. Currently, trucks waiting to enter the plant when a train is on the tracks are exposed to oncoming traffic on Old Kings Highway. The federal funds will cover the town's cost for moving the intersection 1,200 feet north to allow for a safer intersection. Currently the Town of Saugerties is seeking additional funds to complete the project. In the interim, they are working with NYSDOT, CSX and Northeast Solite to construct a temporary signal and gate system to better control traffic at the intersection and crossing.
The transportation measure in which Hinchey secured most of the above funds was the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU).
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