Turning a large, rusty piece of steel into a majestic state park won't be easy.

But with supporters such as Gov. Eliot Spitzer, U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, Sen. Charles Schumer, private foundations and enthusiastic citizens, Walkway Over the Hudson believes it finally has the momentum to do what once seemed impossible: Transform the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge into the world's longest elevated walkway.

Supporters of the project met Thursday with members of the Poughkeepsie Journal editorial board to discuss their plans and share more details of the evolving vision.

The project, with an estimated cost of $25 million, received a major boost this week when Spitzer put $8 million for the project in his proposed budget, with the expectation of another $8 million next year. Another $4.5-$7.5 million would still be needed from private donations and other sources, for a projected grand opening in September 2009, in time for the 400-year anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage up the river.

Over time, the idea has grown from simply a 10-foot-wide path suitable for biking, walking and jogging, to a 36-foot- wide park suitable for concerts, vendors and benches.

"The idea is to create, truly, a park, where you would go to spend the afternoon," said Amy Husten, special projects manager for the Dyson Foundation, a major supporter of Walkway.

An economic impact study predicts 267,699 visitors annually, including local residents and visitors from out of the area.

A parking area to accommodate about 200 vehicles is planned off Haviland Road in Highland, a stretch with no homes.

Peter Melewski, a principal at the architectural, engineering and planning firm Bergmann Associates, said he and the City of Poughkeepsie have been discussing possible parking areas, such as west of Washington Avenue. Elevators are also planned for that area.

The walkway would link to rail trails on both sides of the river, creating a continuous level ride between Hopewell Junction and New Paltz.

To promote the project and drum up support, Fred Schaeffer, president of Walkway Over the Hudson, said he spends many weekends taking leaders, officials and others onto the bridge to help them envision what the bridge could become. Guests have included Hinchey, D-Hurley; Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg; Lloyd town Supervisor Ray Costantino; former Poughkeepsie Mayor Nancy Cozean; state parks Commissioner Carol Ash and others.

"The reason I take people up on the bridge is because that's how you make believers of people," Schaeffer said.