Saland Secures Money In Budget For Walkway Over The Hudson And Long Dock Beacon

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced he has secured funding in the State Budget for two important projects in Dutchess County -- Walkway Over the Hudson and Long Dock Beacon. Both projects are expected to create jobs and bring millions of dollars in revenue into the County.

In addition to the $8 million in the Executive Budget proposal, Senator Saland secured $1.25 million for Walkway Over the Hudson, a project to rehabilitate the old Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and turn it into a park and walkway providing public access for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities to the Hudson River’s scenic landscape. Recent economic forecasts for the project have predicted approximately 267,700 visitors per year to the park, including 110,000 from outside Dutchess and Ulster counties. Estimated visitor spending of $21 million would provide $727,411 in local tax revenue, $1.3 million in state and local tax revenue, and lead directly and indirectly to the creation of 258 jobs.

"Walkway Over the Hudson is the culmination of many years of hard work and planning by citizens dedicated to preserving what was once the longest bridge in the world," said Senator Saland. "I was successful in insuring the Governor’s $8 million appropriation for the Walkway was not eliminated during the budget deliberations. I am pleased to announced that I have secured an additional $1.25 million to help make this project a reality."

Senator Saland also secured in the budget $1.5 million for the Long Dock Beacon project. Through a partnership of private developer Foss Group Beacon, LLC and the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc., this $85 million project will include a hotel and executive conference center, wellness center and spa, three dining/food venues, indoor and outdoor banquet facilities, a public pier and civic plaza, a kayak center, park, and trails, all with spectacular unobstructed views up and down the Hudson River. Visitors to Long Dock Beacon will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for the City of Beacon, Dutchess County and the State, and hundreds of new jobs.

"I am also pleased to have been able to play a part in bringing Long Dock Beacon to fruition by securing $1.5 million in this year’s budget, which will be used for the completion of a public park that is integrated with the entire Long Dock plan. I believe this project is essential to the revitalization of the City of Beacon waterfront area," Saland added.

The $1.25 million for Walkway Over the Hudson and the $1.5 million for Long Dock Beacon, along with other grants for projects around the State, are contained in a legislative resolution. As required by the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program, created in the State Budget, the resolution must first be reviewed by the NYS Division of the Budget for ten business days. It will be passed after the Legislature returns from its April break.