Hinchey Delivers $6M for Rondout Creek Bulkhead Stabilization

KINGSTON, NY — Senator Michelle Hinchey has secured $6 million in the FY’25 State Budget to rebuild part of the Rondout Creek Bulkhead, which is currently in danger of failing due to deterioration and severe storms. This project, part of Kingston’s Weaving the Waterfront Initiative, will help stabilize the shoreline in front of the Hudson River Maritime Museum, ensuring its structural integrity and helping boats dock properly.
 
Hinchey made the announcement on Tuesday in front of Tugboat Mathilda at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, where she was joined by Kingston Mayor Steve Noble, Huntley Gill, the Board President of the Hudson River Maritime Museum, David H. Toman, the Executive Director of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Chrissy Remein, Policy and Planning Manager at Riverkeeper, Ward Todd, the President and CEO of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, and Ulster County Legislature Chair Peter Criswell.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Climate Crisis is no longer a distant threat; it’s at our doorstep, and it’s right here at our Kingston Waterfront. With intensifying weather and years of wear, the Rondout Creek Bulkhead is on the brink of failure, putting homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks, like the Hudson River Maritime Museum, in jeopardy. It’s urgent we make our infrastructure more resilient against these challenges. I’m proud to have secured one of the biggest infusions of state funding in the Kingston Waterfront, which will help reconstruct a portion of the bulkhead and stabilize part of the shoreline. This funding will not only help safeguard a cherished environmental and cultural landmark—the Hudson River Maritime Museum—but also improve safe access to our historic waterfront, translating to support for our business community. This funding is an important catalyst for further state investment in local climate resiliency efforts, equitable public green space improvements, flood mitigation, and economic development, and I’m glad to have been able to deliver.”

Mayor Steve Noble, City of Kingston, said, “I want to thank Senator Hinchey for securing this vital funding for the City of Kingston for a shoreline stabilization project that is quickly becoming an urgent need. I thank Senator Hinchey for all she does, fighting tirelessly for State funding that will make a real difference in our community.”

Lisa Cline, Executive Director of the Hudson River Maritime Museum, said, “With deep gratitude, we commend Senator Michelle Hinchey and Mayor Steve Noble for their steadfast support in advancing sustainability and community engagement throughout the Hudson River Valley. Their tireless dedication has empowered the region's unique essence, encompassing both its people and places. As we stand upon this historic 500-foot bulkhead, a testament to over two centuries of resilience, we recognize its significance as the nexus where the Hudson and Rondout Rivers converge with the land. Here, the Hudson River Maritime Museum thrives, imparting knowledge and preserving maritime heritage against the backdrop of breathtaking vistas that attract hundreds daily. Beyond serving as a mere port, this bulkhead embodies our valley's cultural identity, making the preservation efforts championed by Senator Hinchey all the more essential in the face of rising sea levels.”

Ward Todd, President & CEO of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, said, “On behalf of our 1,000 small business members and not-for-profit organizations, especially those along the Kingston Waterfront, we are delighted that Senator Hinchey has secured essential funding to protect these valuable assets. This is a huge step forward toward not only protecting the waterfront but improving the area for expansion and economic development and enhancing the scenic Kingston Waterfront for travel-visitors and local residents alike.”

Dan Shapley, Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Planning, said, “Riverkeeper has an office and lab at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, making this project important to the organization directly. We also appreciate the importance of state and federal support for local projects such as this to promote resilience and to help communities adapt to climate change. The recently approved NYS budget includes $500 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which together with Bond Act funding approved last year by voters will bring much needed support for these kinds of projects throughout our region.” 

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