It's the latest development for the Walkway Over the Hudson, as plans are underway to construct a single-shaft glass-encased elevator and stairway on the Dutchess County side of the bridge.

"It's a 21 story tower right down at the waterfront with an elevator outside of it that goes up and down," said Walkway Over the Hudson Exec. Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart. "We've got people coming by bikes by eastern Dutchess, we have people coming on the train from Manhattan and then a lot of our Thruway visitors come from the west side."

And officials say once the project is complete, they're all going to want to ride that elevator.

"We think the elevator will be another destination," said Waldstein-Hart. "Tourism is in fact a very important part of our economic sector, and destinations like this that bring attention world-wide and across the county really make a difference."

For tourists who find it difficult to get here, they now have another option.

"There will be a drop off area, so even folks that are more severely handicapped situations like wheelchairs will be able to get on the elevator come up and be out here," said Waldstein-Hart.

A total of $2.4 million in federal funding has been secured for the construction of the project, which has a 2013 spending deadline.

"Now there's a deadline to finish it and we hope that the construction bid will be awarded and planning will be done," said Waldstein-Hart.

That bid is expected to be awarded in mid-September, so the construction of what will be the tallest building in Poughkeepsie can begin.

Officials say if all goes according to plan, construction will begin this fall and they anticipate opening the elevator to the public in the fall of 2013.