'Monumental' Groundbreaking for Walkway Over the Hudson

Scenic Hudson Donates $1 Million to Boost Fundraising Effort

HIGHLAND, Ulster County -- A team of federal, state and nonprofit leaders lifted the first spikes out of the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge's rail-bed on Tuesday, May 27 symbolically sparking new life and a new role for the historic, but long-neglected bridge that spans the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and the Town of Lloyd. The event officially began the 15-month construction phase of the $30 million project, scheduled to end in August, 2009 when the bridge will reopen as the world's longest elevated park in time to serve as the centerpiece of the state's Quadricentennial Celebration.

Fred Schaeffer, President of the Board of Directors of Walkway Over the Hudson, expressed gratitude to the Walkway's numerous supporters, many of whom attended the event held at the bridge's western approach in the Town of Lloyd. "For the many volunteers and members of Walkway Over the Hudson who have devoted so much of their time and energy to this effort, this is a very special day," said Mr. Schaeffer. "With me today are some important allies who come from state and federal government, the private sector and the nonprofit community. Thanks to them, what was merely a dream a few years ago, will now most definitely happen and we are profoundly grateful."

Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, addressed the audience and spoke of the unique recreational opportunities that will be created when the new elevated pedestrian park opens in the Fall of 2009. "Not only will people come from miles around to take in the view from The Walkway Over The Hudson, this unique public space will link miles of trails, parks, waterfronts, colleges and communities on the east and west sides of the river. It's a great way to connect people to neighboring communities, parks, open spaces while promoting sustainability and economic vitality in the Mid-Hudson Valley."

New York State Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C-Poughkeepsie), who secured a $1.25 million Senate earmark for the project, described Walkway's potential as an engine for tourism and economic development. "What was once the longest bridge in the world will now become an outstanding venue for pedestrians, hikers, joggers and bicyclists to enjoy the scenic landscape of the Hudson River," said Senator Saland. "The $1.25 million I secured in the budget, in addition to the $8 million I fought to keep in the budget for the Walkway, will help this project come to fruition. As an economic stimulus, the Walkway will bring millions of dollars in tax revenue to the region and the State of New York.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey, an early advocate of the project who secured the first significant funding appropriation for Walkway in 2006, said, "Today, we are taking a critical step forward in fulfilling our shared dream of restoring this magnificent bridge. The process to secure the necessary funding for this very worthwhile project began three years ago with the $874,000 I secured from Congress, which makes this groundbreaking all the more satisfying. With its extraordinary views, this monumental bridge will provide wonderful recreational opportunities for Hudson Valley residents, while serving as a tourism magnet for people from all across the area and the country. The timing of this groundbreaking couldn't be better given that next year it will play a featured role in the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebrations."

The groundbreaking ceremony also featured Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan's announcement that the Poughkeepsie-based environmental advocacy organization would donate $1 Million to support the project.

"Scenic Hudson congratulates Walkway Over the Hudson and leaders of organizations who have had the vision and tenacity to undertake the bold notion of making an abandoned bridge into a fabulous public park. We salute Congressman Maurice Hinchey, the Dyson Foundation, Senator Steve Saland, the State Legislature and Governor David Paterson for generously backing the vision with the resources to make it a reality," said Mr. Sullivan. "The project can be a catalyst for citizens and leaders on both sides of the river to join forces in creating sustainable economic progress and waterfronts worthy of the 400th anniversary celebration. Scenic Hudson is proud to commit $1 million to the Walkway Over the Hudson."

Scenic Hudson's contribution brings the total amount raised for the project to nearly $14 million, including $8 million allocated as part of the New York State Parks capital budget for 2008-09, the Dyson Foundation's $2 million grant award, Senator Steve Saland's earmark of $1.25 million, $874,000 in federal DOT funding secured by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, a $500,000 grant from the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency and more than

$700,000 in additional grants and donations from various government and private sources. It is anticipated that Walkway will receive an additional $8 million in next year's New York State budget. The organization will aggressively pursue additional fundraising opportunities from private, government and nonprofit sources over the next two years.

Following remarks by several notable supporters of the effort, the speakers lined up for a photo opportunity along the bridge's center rails. Following the ceremony, invited guests and media toured the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge—possibly the last opportunity to view the Hudson Valley from the lofty structure until its anticipated re-opening as a New York State Park in the Fall of 2009.

Speakers at the event included, Fred Schaeffer, President, Board of Directors, Walkway Over the Hudson; New York State Senator Steve M. Saland; U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson; Carol Ash, Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; James Sproat, Chairman, New York State Bridge Authority; Judith Enck, Deputy Secretary, New York State Governor's Office (representing Governor David A. Paterson); Michael Morey, Hudson Valley Regional Director (representing U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer); and Robert R. Dyson, President of the Dyson Foundation.

When it was completed in 1888, the 6,767-foot long Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge stood alone as the longest bridge in the world. The bridge represented an engineering feat unrivalled in its day, allowing the steel truss bridge to carry more weight over longer spans than ever before. The bridge was hailed as the "Great Connector" because it provided the first efficient rail link between rich Western coal and wheat supplies and East Coast markets springing up at the height of the Industrial Revolution. During World War II, the bridge carried more than 3,500 rail cars a day and helped rush wartime personnel and materials to Eastern ports. Its many historic attributes earned the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge a place on the National Historic Register. The bridge continued its role as an important commercial rail link for nearly a century until a fire in 1974 abruptly terminated its use by the railroad industry.

Based in Poughkeepsie, the nonprofit group Walkway Over the Hudson formed in 1992 and took ownership of the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge in 1995. For more information concerning Walkway Over the Hudson visit www.walkway.org or call the office at 845-4554-9649.

from left to right: Congressman Maurice Hinchey, US Congressman for the 22nd District of New York State; Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson; Rob Dyson, President of the Board, Dyson Foundation; Carol Ash, Commissioner of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; James P. Sproat, Chairman, NYS Bridge Authority; Judith Enck, NYS Deputy Secretary for the Environment representing Governor David A. Paterson; and Senator Steve M. Saland, NYS Senator for the 41st District

from left to right: Congressman Maurice Hinchey, US Congressman for the 22nd District of New York State; Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson; Rob Dyson, President of the Board, Dyson Foundation; Carol Ash, Commissioner of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; James P. Sproat, Chairman, NYS Bridge Authority; Judith Enck, NYS Deputy Secretary for the Environment representing Governor David A. Paterson; Senator Steve M. Saland, NYS Senator for the 41st District; and Fred Schaeffer, President of the Board, Walkway Over the Hudson

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. www.scenichudson.org

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