Schumer proclaims his support for walkway project | PoughkeepsieJournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal - Annotated

• By Jenny Lee • Poughkeepsie Journal • April 19, 2008

• HIGHLAND - Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., saw the breathtaking view from the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge Friday and announced he’s pushing for $1.5 million in federal money to help transform the bridge into Walkway Over the Hudson and pay for Quadricentennial activities.

• Walkway Over the Hudson will be 1.25 miles long, becoming the longest walkway bridge in the world. It is scheduled to open in time for the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river in 2009.

• Walkway Over the Hudson Board of Directors Chairman Fred Schaeffer was grateful for the senator’s efforts.

  “We’ve had tremendous support from the community,” Schaeffer said. “It’s icing on the cake.”

  The construction of the bridge would cost about $25 million, plus an additional $5 million to pay for an elevator from the waterfront and an endowment for the maintenance of the bridge, Schaeffer said.

  Hinchey, who was at the bridge Friday, said he hopes to get about $2 million for the project in the transportation funding bill. When the project first began, he secured about $875,000.