Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that the City of Kingston will receive $200,000 in federal economic recovery funds to help pay for the redevelopment of the Rondout waterfront promenade.  The funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Hinchey actively supported and voted for earlier this year.  Hinchey has previously secured more than $1 million in federal funding to enhance Kingston's waterfront promenade by constructing a landscaped trail along the Rondout waterfront.  In accordance with the rules of the economic recovery package, Governor Paterson certified the funds for the waterfront promenade, enabling the money to be released.

"The redevelopment of the Rondout waterfront promenade will provide residents with a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the city while spurring economic growth for local businesses," Hinchey said. "Combined with the federal money I've already secured for this project, these new federal economic recovery funds will relieve local taxpayers from covering much of the cost associated with this project.  I am very pleased the federal economic recovery funds we passed in Washington are starting to make their way up to New York for important initiatives such as this one."

The waterfront promenade project will enhance the existing walkway already in place and help make the Rondout more of a destination site for residents and visitor. Funds will also be used for streetscaping, including trees, lighting, benches, and other amenities.

In addition to the $200,000 announced today, Hinchey secured $1.04 million in federal funds for the Rondout promenade from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) measure.  The New York State Department of State (DOS) is providing $350,000 in grant funds and the City of Kingston is investing $240,000.  The Office of Parks has also been involved with funding the construction of a section of the bulkhead adjacent to the section that will be constructed with DOS and New York State Department of Transportation funds.