Spitzer announces commitment to railroad bridge

Poughkeepsie Journal

January 9, 2008

In his state of the state speech today, Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced commitment of a "major

investment" to transform the dormant Poughkeepsie Rail Bridge into a pedestrian walkway.

Here is an excerpt:

"Open space – clean, safe, attractive parks – are a third building block for livable communities.

New York State once led the nation, creating America's first network of state parks. A peaceful

park is not just a place for a picnic, it is an economic asset. It draws families to neighborhoods and

businesses to communities. I propose $100 million in capital spending to revitalize our aging

systems.

In what will be the first major investment in our parks leading up to the 400th anniversary of Henry

Hudson's first voyage up the river that bears his name today, I am announcing the State's

commitment to transform the dormant Poughkeepsie Rail Bridge into an awe-inspiring historic

park, complete with a walkway and bikeway that will create a unique public space with

breathtaking views of the Hudson.

When it was built in 1888, the bridge – in typical New York style – was the longest bridge in the

world, an engineering marvel. For the last three decades, however, the bridge has sat empty and

unused. As a new pedestrian bridge over the Hudson, it will allow New Yorkers to connect to the

history and natural beauty of our State, and draw them to Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and surrounding

communities."

The exact amount of the commitment was not immediately available. It is expected to be included

as part of Spitzer's upcoming proposed budget.

The announcement was praised by group that is overseeing the project.

"We want to thank Governor Spitzer for clearly recognizing that Walkway Over the Hudson will

contribute to the Mid-Hudson Valley in so many ways, from preserving a national historic

landmark to encouraging new recreational opportunities to stimulating the region’s economy,” said

Walkway Chairman Fred Schaeffer said in a statement.

“Governor Spitzer’s vision and his commitment to the people of upstate New York were each

evident in today’s speech. The Governor sees that this project, more than any other, has the power

to put Dutchess and Ulster counties on the map,” said Rob Dyson, president of the Millbrook-based

Dyson Foundation, which last year committed a $1.5 million planning and engineering grant to

help kick-start the project.

The group is holding an informational meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

on Market Street.

The announcement was also met with praise from the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“This groundbreaking urban park will make Poughkeepsie a destination for visitors from near and

far,” Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said in a

statement. “It will boost Poughkeepsie’s economic revitalization, while attracting greater attention

to the Hudson River and inspiring future generations to become engaged in its care,” said Marcia

Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

The bridge spans 6,767 feet and has been closed since a fire seriously damaged the tracks in 1974.

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