Walkway Over the Hudson is walking away $9.25 million richer as a result of the 2008 New York State budget.
Thanks to the continued support of Gov. David Paterson, the $8 million requested by the not-for-profit organization trying to transform the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into a pedestrian walkway was approved as part of the general budget on April 4. An additional $1.25 million was secured as a line item by state Sen. Stephen Saland (R-I-C Poughkeepsie).
While Walkway had asked Hudson Valley legislators to secure additional funds, the Saland money came as a shock. “We did not know that it was going to be of this magnitude, so this is certainly a huge surprise. We are eternally grateful,” said Walkway Executive Director Amy Husten.
The state funds will all go to general construction, which will begin within the month. Builders will begin by discarding the bridge’s old deck panels while new ones are constructed off-site. The new equipment could be delivered as early as September.
“It’s no longer in the planning stages; it’s in the happening stages,” said Husten.
Construction could be finished as early as fall 2009, just in time for the area’s Henry Hudson Quadricentennial Celebration, a yearlong event honoring the discovery of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.
The project will transform the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into the longest shore-to-shore pedestrian walkway in the world. The bridge first opened for commercial train traffic in 1888. At 6,767 feet, it was at the time the longest bridge in the world. At 212 feet tall, it remains the highest bridge over the Hudson River and offers unrivaled views.
The landmark’s potential to pump up tourism and to attract residents and businesses to the area has attracted both public and private investors. Based on recent economic projection studies, Walkway anticipates 267,700 visitors per year, including 110,000 from outside Dutchess and Ulster counties. Estimated visitor spending of $21 million would produce $727,411 in local tax revenue and $1.3 million in state and local tax revenue, and create 258 area jobs.
Additional funds secured include $895,000 from the federal government’s Transportation Bill, a $874,000 Transportation Initiative Project (TIP) grant secured by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, and a $1.5 million investment by the Dyson Foundation.
Walkway reps anticipate another $8 million allocation of funds in the 2009 New York State budget. However, the sum still falls short of the predicted $30 million price tag. To acquire the remaining money, Walkway is launching an aggressive fundraising campaign, reaching out to area foundations, corporations, local, state and federal government organizations and individuals.
For more information about Walkway Over the Hudson visit www.walkway.org or call the office at 454-9649.