Kingston, NY - Congressman Maurice Hinchey and City of Kingston officials today held a groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the Rondout waterfront walkway.  Construction at the site is now underway and expected to be mostly completed by the end of this year.  Hinchey has previously secured more than $1 million in federal funding for the project, which will enhance Kingston's waterfront walkway by constructing a landscaped trail from the Rondout waterfront to Kingston Point.  

"It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this day, but construction is finally underway and the people of Kingston will soon have a beautiful new walkway along the Rondout that will offer them recreational opportunities and provide the city with strong potential for economic growth through the development of new businesses," Hinchey said. "I'm pleased that I was able to secure a significant level of federal funding that spared local taxpayers much of the expense associated with this worthwhile project.  Along with the redevelopment of the Pike Plan in uptown Kingston, this project is helping to create jobs while transforming the city in a way that enhances the quality of life for everyone who lives and works here."

The waterfront walkway project will provide public access to and along the waterfront and will connect with the walkway already in place.  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.

Hinchey secured $1.04 million in federal funds for the Rondout walkway from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) measure.  Additionally, $200,000 from the federal economic recovery bill, which Hinchey actively supported and helped pass earlier this year in Congress, has been designated for the development of the walkway. 

"Congressman Hinchey has been a steadfast friend to the City of Kingston and has supported our efforts to advance projects like the Waterfront Promenade and many others.  He is an invaluable partner in providing support and funding for our initiatives, and as Mayor, I want to thank him on behalf of all our residents for sharing our vision and working to make Kingston a better place," said. Kingston Mayor James M Sottile.

New York State Department of Transportation Regional Design Engineer William Gorton said, "The New York State Department of Transportation is proud to participate in the funding of the City of Kingston's continuing work to revitalize the waterfront and provide pedestrian access to the Rondout Creek."

Stephen M. Finkle, Director of Economic Development, City of Kingston said, "I am pleased that this critical section of the waterfront promenade is now under construction.  It is an essential element of our waterfront revitalization plan, and we could not have advanced this project without the help and major funding from Congressman Hinchey as well as the New York State Department of State and the New York State Department of Transportation.   This project will connect with the other sections of promenade in place and will eventually extend to the Hudson River shoreline."   

In addition to the funding Hinchey secured, the New York State Department of State (DOS) provided $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 next year with DOS and New York State Department of Transportation funds.