Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand, Tonko Announce $2 Million In Federal Funding Coming To Bolster Livingston Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

Oct 25, 2010

Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko announced that the Livingston Bridge project will receive $2 million in federal funding to lay the groundwork for a major revitalization to the 144 year old bridge.

Today’s announced funding will finance an engineering study that will serve as a blueprint for major upgrades to the bridge including an eventual full replacement.

“The Livingston Avenue Bridge project will create jobs and lay down the building blocks for future economic growth ensuring that trains can continue to cross the Hudson River,” Schumer said. “And, upgrading the Livingston Bridge to be able to support  high speed rail service fits in with our long range plans of bringing true high speed rail to Upstate new York.”

“High speed rail is one of my top priorities for New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This investment in the Livingston Avenue Bridge will help connect more New York businesses and workers, help create jobs and rebuild our economy. I will keep working to make sure New York gets all the federal investments in high speed rail we need.”

“This project will lay the foundation for what will be a dramatic improvement for rail travelers who pass through Albany,” said Congressman Tonko. “This investment in the Livingston Avenue Bridge moves plans for high speed rail forward, creates jobs, and will help boost future economic growth.” 

The $2 million in federal funding coming from DOT to the Livingston Bridge project will finance an engineering study that will serve as the blueprint for major upgrades to the bridge, including allow trains to operate at speeds of 110mph. The bridge, which is 144 years old, serves as a major thoroughfare for commuters crossing the Hudson River and will soon see a major revitalization. The engineering study will eventually lead to the bridge’s full replacement.  

Today’s announced funding will invest in a project that will create jobs in the short term and lay the ground work for future economic development in the region.