QUAD KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

The 2009 Quad celebration, having been named the top tourist event in North America by the American Bus Association, is now fully under way!

But those of you who missed the Quadricentennial Kick Off last Thursday, you missed a tasty event.

The Holiday Inn in Kingston was a good choice of venue to have the kick-off because the size of the crowd and all the food tables. Since no-one can be sure of the weather this time of year, it was th safest location.

Aldermen Hoffay, Reynolds, Landi and myself were amused with a display of artist-designed banners and some period music by The Slide Mountain String Band [pictured left] while we tasted the restaurant samples that circled the crowd.

From what we saw, there is a lot of information from participating organizations on the region's history and upcoming events throughout the Hudson Valley and you'll find plenty online by clicking the links at the bottom.

There were the expected remarks by government notables as well as history advocates who will be at the center of the year long celebration.

I was thrilled to see so many of the community activists who reside in Ward Nine present as well as those from my congregation. You all make me so proud.
Nice to see I'm in good company. This is going to be a great summer to be in Kingston!

For a list of participants and more information on events, visit http://www.hudsonriver400.org

or Visit ExploreNY400.com for scheduled events up and down the river in 2009!

WALKWAY OVER HUDSON: QUAD FUNDING

The Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes $950,000 for the Walkway Over the Hudson!

With an extra push from Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, this chunk of change will better prepare the historic Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge into the world's longest elevated pedestrian walkways. Just in time for this years 400 year celebration.

If this funding survives the vetting process both on the floor of the Senate and House, then the fast track to the crossing is a sure thing.

Schumer quoted in the AP: “The Walkway Bridge is poised to become one of the greatest tourist attractions in New York, and its opening will be the culminating event of the Quadricentennial Celebration, we are taking a landmark piece of the Hudson Valley’s industrial past and turning it into something that will draw visitors from every corner of the state and beyond—providing terrific opportunities for our local businesses and delivering a shot-in-the-arm to the Hudson Valley economy.”

Senator Gillibrand said: “These federal dollars will go a long way in helping local business make the Hudson Valley a destination for families and businesses. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share.”

State Assemblyman Frank Skartados heaped praise on our two DC reps and expressed continued support for the project in any way possible. Noting that this is the opportunity for tourism economic growth to really accelerate in the midhudson region. The 100th AD includes both Poughkeepsie and Lloyd.

HINCHEY SECURES MORE WALKWAY FUNDS

Here's some good news for the region, The Walkway over the Hudson, a massive tourism project for Ulster and Dutchess Counties, just got another shot in the arm a few days ago. It seems Congressman Maurice Hinchey secured another $450 thousand federal dollars to push the project along.

This would increase the grant funding from almost $900K to well over a million for the purpose of restoring the ancient Railroad Bridge which crosses the Hudson from Highland to Poughkeepsie.

This is a Bridge erected over 100 years ago and served as a main freight line until the thing caught fire back in the 70's.

The conversion to a pedestrian cross-over park has been in the works for several years. Most of those involved are looking at late summer/early fall of next year to have the opening ceremonies. I have pondered how the future restaurants and amusements out over the river will split the sales tax revenue? Will it depend on the middle marker between county lines?

Coincidently, the completion is aimed at the same window that we celebrate the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial. (I am tired of writing that long title)

All of the river towns and cities have state and federal dollars coming in to boost the year long recognition of the accomplishments that lead to the wave of new colonization and industrialization in the Hudson Valley.

Job well done Maurice, but what do we have planned here in Kingston?