Poughkeepsie - Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) announced that his legislation to transfer ownership of the Walkway Over the Hudson to the New York Bridge Authority has passed the Assembly (A.9051). The Walkway is designated as a state park, but the bridge is currently owned by the non-profit Walkway Over the Hudson, not the state. “The Walkway has been a tremendous success, and it’s a step in the right direction towards improving the local economy,” Skartados said. “It’s attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and it really does encourage tourism and stimulate the Mid-Hudson economy. And this bill will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy all it has to offer.”
Skartados was instrumental in securing $8 million for the Walkway project last year. This legislation allows the New York Bridge Authority to assume the costs of overseeing the bridge, roads, structures and facilities. In addition to a transfer of ownership, Skartados’ measure will also officially change the name of the bridge, formerly known as the Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge, to the “Walkway over the Hudson” in state records.
Fred Schaeffer, Chairman of the Walkway Over the Hudson organization, expressed gratitude to Assemblyman Skartados, commenting, “His support of the Walkway project was instrumental in completing the renovation of the bridge into a walkway and bike path. The Bridge Authority’s ownership will ensure the preservation of the bridge and its role as a tourist attraction will last forever.”
The measure passed the State Senate earlier this week and the governor is expected to sign it into law.
