October 3 , 2009
GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY PATERSON OPEN WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON – NEW YORK’S NEWEST STATE PARK
Quadricentennial Legacy Project Transforms Historic Rail Bridge
1.25-Mile Pedestrian Bridge Links Dutchess and Ulster Counties, Connects People to Hudson River
Governor David A. Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the legacy project undertaken in celebration of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial. The Governor and First Lady were joined by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Congressman John Hall, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash, State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, Dyson Foundation President Robert Dyson and other dignitaries. The event caps the transformation of the long-abandoned Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome New Yorkers to the Walkway Over the Hudson, yet another gem in New York’s incomparable State park system,” Governor Paterson said. “We have taken a forgotten and derelict structure and turned it into an urban park unlike any other in the world. The attention it has already attracted will be a catalyst for the continued revitalization of the mid-Hudson Valley. Most importantly, this new park will connect people to the Hudson River. I could not be prouder of this magnificent accomplishment and thank the many volunteers and State officials who made this new urban park possible.”
“Today’s opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson will be remembered as another great moment in the history of the Hudson River,” said First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Honorary Chair of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission. “This incredible linear park will foster the rediscovery of the Hudson Valley, linking miles of trails and waterfront parks for exercise and recreation, and drawing visitors to its panoramic views for years to come.”
The Walkway Over the Hudson will become the 179th State park operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, linking 27 miles of planned or existing recreational trails in Dutchess and Ulster counties. The pedestrian deck is 25-feet wide, providing sufficient room for walkers, runners, cyclists and in-line skaters. Three 35-foot-wide viewing platforms provide additional space for bridge visitors. It will be open from dawn to dusk year-round, weather permitting. Renovation of the bridge is estimated to have created more than 250 New York State-based jobs.
When first completed in 1888, the 1.25-mile-long Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge stood alone as the longest bridge in the world. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, it was an important railroad link for nearly a century until a fire in 1974 ended its use. The bridge was out of service until the nonprofit group Walkway Over the Hudson, which formed in 1992, took ownership of it in 1995 and launched the effort to transform the 212-foot-high bridge into a linear park. New York State joined the effort in 2007.
The State of New York provided more than $18.7 million for the Walkway, enabling the $38.8 million public-private project to be completed in time for the Quadricentennial year. State dollars were matched one-to-one by other sources, with major private sector gifts of over $2 million from the Dyson Foundation, $1 million from Scenic Hudson, $500,000 from the Jane Nuhn Foundation, $500,000 from the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency, $440,000 from Save America’s Treasures and nearly $1 million in financial and in-kind donations from various other foundations, corporations and individuals.
Governor Paterson also expressed special thanks to the Walkway Over the Hudson organization, in particular to Chair Fred Schaeffer, who along with Dyson Foundation President Robert Dyson shared a commitment to seeing this extraordinary project to fruition. He also commended Congressman Maurice Hinchey for being an early proponent of the project and for his assistance in securing federal funding, as well as Senator Schumer, State Senator Saland, and Assemblyman Skartados for their work to move this project forward.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said: “The Walkway Bridge is poised to become one of the greatest and most innovative tourist attractions in New York and across the country, and its opening is the culminating event of the Quadricentennial Celebration. We have transformed an old railroad bridge into a recreational park that will draw visitors from all over the world, delivering millions of dollars to the Hudson Valley region for years to come, while at the same time celebrating our industrial history. I am proud to have been able to help this project become a reality. We have all worked a long time for this day, and I could not be happier that it has finally arrived.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York’s future, and a fitting tribute to our history and our innovative spirit. It’s been 400 years since the Hudson River was first discovered. Today, we’re still unlocking its potential. The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will help drive our tourism industry, support job creation and help local businesses grow, help rebuild our economy and honor New York’s history.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “Thirty-five years after a devastating fire shut down the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, we’ve transformed this architectural masterpiece into the largest pedestrian bridge in the world. Once again, it will become one of the great bridges of the world and further enhance the Hudson Valley's identity. When Henry Hudson sailed up this river 400 years ago, he never could have imagined that we’d be standing here today nor could he have imagined all that’s taken place and been accomplished in the Hudson Valley since that time. This bridge will serve as the crown jewel of the Hudson Valley and provide millions of New Yorkers and visitors with unparalleled recreational opportunities and stunningly beautiful views of this majestic river. I’m honored to have played a part in helping all of us reach this day.”
Commissioner Carol Ash said: “I am deeply grateful to Governor Paterson for his support for the project, which was critical to making the Walkway a reality. Governor Paterson understands that quality recreational facilities are building blocks of economically vibrant, livable communities, and the Walkway Over the Hudson is a testament to his commitment to renewing the State’s economy and strengthening its quality of life.”
Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “The unveiling of the Walkway Over the Hudson is one of the projects that will culminate a wonderful Quadricentennial year for New York. Along with numerous expositions, community festivals and Hudson River celebrations, New York also has acted to create this Quadricentennial ‘legacy project’ that will provide opportunities for future generations to connect to the river. With the Walkway Over the Hudson, we are doing just that.”
Senator Stephen M. Saland said: “As the plans for the Walkway evolved, it became evident that the project would greatly benefit the region – drawing tourists from far and wide. I thank the Governor; the Office of Parks, Recreation, Parks & Historic Preservation; the Dyson Foundation and a host of volunteers, none more so than Fred Schaeffer, for recognizing the potential of the project and supporting the Walkway. It has been amazing to witness and be part of the effort to restore the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge – this magnificent structure will serve as a centerpiece for tourism in the Hudson Valley for generations to come.”
Assemblyman Frank Skartados said: “I am delighted that I had the opportunity to be a part of the Walkway Over the Hudson project in the 100th District. The energy and enthusiasm that went into transforming this 19th century Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into an economic engine for this area and the State of New York is already spilling over into Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Everyone is filled with excitement and anticipation to walk over the Hudson and observe the majesty of the Hudson River Valley from a unique point of view. We invite the world to experience this unparalleled destination point.”
Robert Dyson, President of the Dyson Foundation, said: “Speaking for the private funders – large and small, institutions, families, individuals – this is your bridge. The Walkway has raised more than 750 individual contributions, making it a genuinely community effort from the beginning. It is nothing short of miraculous that we are all here today about to step out onto what I am sure will become one of the iconic parks in New York State if not the whole country.”
Fred Schaeffer, Chair of Walkway Over the Hudson, said: “This remarkable occasion would never have occurred if it weren’t for the dedication and perseverance of the Walkway Over the Hudson Board of Directors, who devoted countless days, nights and weekends to this effort. For more than 16 years, they attended public events to promote the Walkway concept, they hauled brush away and they worked to make the bridge safe to visit. They deserve a lot of the credit.”
Frederic C. Rich, Chair of the Scenic Hudson Board of Directors, said: “Governor Paterson joins other leaders, including F.D.R. and Teddy Roosevelt, in investing in parks and land conservation to create jobs in challenging economic times. His investment brings to fruition the efforts of the grassroots citizens who instigated the Walkway dream and the civic and elected leaders, including Rob Dyson, Congressman Hinchey, Senator Schumer and Senator Saland, whose crucial support also helped realize that dream. Scenic Hudson is pleased to be part of this collaborative effort that will leave a lasting legacy of the Quadricentennial, connecting people today and in future generations to the inspiring beauty of the Hudson.”
Joan Davidson, Chair of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, said: “The Walkway will be the knockout spectacle of the Quadricentennial Year! It will boost the economy of mid-Hudson counties, add a jewel to the crown of the Empire State’s great park system, and bring to our magnificent river thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from everywhere. All hail to everyone involved!”
Schenectady-based Environmental Remediation Services, Inc. removed old material from the bridge deck. Prefabricated concrete panels to replace the bridge deck were made by the Fort Miller Co., Inc., from Schuylerville. Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc., of Glenmont repaired the metal bridge superstructure and installed the panels and railings. Bergmann Associates of Rochester did the initial bridge inspection and feasibility studies and was responsible for the design and project management.
An independent study of the Walkway’s economic potential determined it would attract more than 267,000 visits annually. Many of these visits are expected to directly benefit businesses in the City of Poughkeepsie, where the bridge’s eastern landing is near the Metro-North and Amtrak rail station.
For more information on any of New York’s State parks and historic sites, visit www.nysparks.com
