Cuomo Makes Surprise Announcement at Walkway Over the Hudson

Gov. Andrew Cuomo showed up at the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie on Monday morning to make a surprise announcement.

Rob Dyson of the Dyson Foundation; NY State Commissioner of Parks, Rose Harvey; Senator Sue Serino; the Dutchess and Ulster County Executives and other political figures all gathered on the Walkway Over the Hudson to welcome Governor Andrew Cuomo for a special announcement.

Commissioner Harvey unveiled $5.5 million in projects that will construct new energy efficient gateway visitor centers on both entrances of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The projects are part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative, which is putting nearly $1 billion in private and public funding towards park improvements through 2020.

On the Poughkeepsie side of the Walkway the temporary trailers will finally be removed. In their place will be a new amphitheater, indoor bathrooms, outdoor seating and new landscaping.

On the Highland side of the Walkway, a new information booth, gathering places and the replacement of porta-potties with permanent public bathrooms are all part of the plan.

Bus turnarounds will also be incorporated into the newly announced construction, allowing even more visitors to connect with the Walkway Over the Hudson. Cuomo spoke to a crowd of dignitaries gathered in the middle of the walkway about the deterioration of the New York State parks department and his dedication to invest a billion dollars to help in their revitalization. He cited the Walkway as one of New York's success stories.

Cuomo admitted that when Rob Dyson first approached him about the idea of making the old train bridge into a Walkway he didn't get it. But now he sees it as an important step to growing local tourism and stimulating the economy. The Governor declared that Parks and Recreation continues to be a "big economic generator for the state" with tourism being one of the strongest revenue generators. According to Cuomo, investment in projects like Walkway Over the Hudson has paid off "extraordinary dividends" especially north of New York City.

What do you think about the investment New York has made in the Walkway and other park projects around the Hudson Valley? Do you think the money is well spent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.