Cahill Opposes Fee for Walkway Over the Hudson

“There are numerous alternatives to keep access free to the public”

January 7, 2013

Kingston, NY – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess) once again showed his strong support for public access to parks by coming out against entrance fees for the Walkway Over the Hudson, which connects Ulster and Dutchess County over the Hudson River. Recently, a member of the Bridge Authority board questioned the source of revenue for the maintenance and repair of the world-acclaimed Walkway Over the Hudson. Assemblymember Cahill immediately contacted the New York State Bridge Authority and was informed there are currently no proposals for a fee. However, Executive Director Joseph Ruggerio indicated that the Authority recently put up a significant sum of money toward important maintenance and repair. Ruggerio reaffirmed that he and the Authority fully intend to fulfill their duties in relation to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Pedestrian tolls along the Hudson River crossings have an interesting and varied past. Initially, a twenty-cent toll was charged for each individual passenger and for pedestrians at some of the crossings. Upon the assumption of control by the Bridge Authority in 1933, pedestrian charges were cut in half. Shortly thereafter, the charge for additional passengers was eliminated, but the pedestrian charge remained. In 1945, pedestrian tolls were halved again, to five cents. Separate pedestrian tolls were eliminated altogether in 1980 and have not been imposed since. When the Walkway Over the Hudson was turned over in part to the New York State Bridge Authority, the enabling legislation prohibited the imposition of tolls or fees for passage or use. (See Chapter 219, of 2010, § 6. Subdivision 8 of section 528 of the Public Authorities Law)

“Although the proposal is not official policy, the fiscal burden on the Bridge Authority is very real,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “That is why it is important that we begin discussing alternative methods for funding maintenance to the Walkway now and crush the idea of an entrance fee becomes it gains a footing in any way.”

The Walkway, which has become a tourism hub of the Mid-Hudson region, was made possible through grants secured by retired Congressman Maurice Hinchey, state funds strongly supported by Assemblymember Cahill and private donations from a drive spearheaded by Philanthropist Robert Dyson and the Dyson Foundation. This attraction brings over half a million visitors each year, funneling close to $24 million into the local economy annually.

“The Walkway was a community effort from the beginning; the individual contributions that were made from the residents of this area were truly inspiring. This project is a win-win for our communities. Together we can and should come up with a solution where everyone wins,” said Robert Dyson of the Dyson Foundation.

NYS Bridge Authority Executive Director Joseph Ruggiero said, “The Bridge Authority has planned for the maintenance of the Walkway Bridge structure in its five-year capital plan, unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. Additional funding to offset maintenance costs would be great, but given the state’s fiscal situation, we are prepared to fulfill our obligation for the safe and efficient maintenance of the structure within our current finances. Should additional funding for maintenance become available at a future date, the Bridge Authority would welcome the support, but rest assured that safety will never be compromised.”

Ruggiero added that the Bridge Authority constantly seeks additional sources of funds, including advertising on bridges and the marketing of fiber optic services. The Bridge Authority is funded through the collection of tolls and does not receive federal or state tax monies for operation and maintenance of its facilities.

“There are numerous alternatives to keep access free to the public,” said Assemblymember Cahill. He is the sponsor of the “Pennies for Parks” Initiative (Assembly Bill 1148) that creates a long-term funding source to restore and maintain the state’s aging parks through a five-cent fee on carry-out grocery and retail bags. The Assemblymember also pointed out that interpretative centers, gift shops and other concessions at their site support other public facilities. “A good example of creating a revenue stream without limiting public access is Sam’s Point located in Cragsmoor (town of Wawarsing). While there is a $10 parking fee, there remains no separate admission charge for the public use of the grounds.

“There are plenty of opportunities to secure the future for this great attraction while maintaining the fiscal stability of the Bridge Authority and without forcing the residents of our community and those that are visiting to pay an admission charge,” said Assemblymember Cahill, “I look forward to working with leaders in our communities and at the state level to keep our Walkway free and the Bridge Authority strong.”

What's New