Cuomo: “… It will reap dividends”
POUGHKEEPSIE – “Don’t be afraid to be bold,” proclaimed
Gov. Andrew Cuomo as he stood in Poughkeepsie overlooking the Walkway
over the Hudson, to announce plans for two welcome centers, one at each
side of what has become one of the state’s major tourism attractions.
“It’s an investment because it will reap dividends,” Cuomo said. “Two welcome centers will enhance this attraction. I believe we’ll get more people coming here because of the welcome centers. I believe it will increase the regional tourism.”
Cuomo noted that tourism, which he said is a $65 billion industry in New York, is generating its highest level of revenue ever.
The governor singled out two Hudson Valley lawmakers, Democrat Assemblyman Frank Skartados and Republican State Senator Sue Serino, in helping secure $5 million in state funding.
Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart said the popular Walkway remains a work in progress.
“We’re building on this asset,” Waldstein-Hart said. “We’re all here today because we appreciate this beautiful historic structure but also what it’s doing for the Hudson Valley.”
The Walkway will be busy this coming weekend, with a marathon, half-marathon and other events, including a one-mile run in Poughkeepsie for people with disabilities.
Renderings of the west center, left, and the east center
