B r i d g e   o f   D r e a m s

The Total Project Cost per the Grant Application is $1,300,000.

The vast majority of the cost is for the design and construction a bridge across the Wallkill River.
Another cost will be to obtain a right-of way from the landowner between the Rail Trail and the bridge and to build that segment of the trail. There will also be associated engineering and administrative costs.

The Town's matching share must be 20% of Total Project Cost or $260,000.
It is anticipated that a large portion of the Town's share can be obtained from alternate sources.
Funding will be sought from:

	-- Volunteer labor for completion and maintenance
	-- Use of other grant funds
	-- Legislative "member items"
	-- Ulster County
	-- "In kind" work by Town Highway Department
	-- Town Recreation funds
	-- Other imaginative sources
		

Some funds may be raised through the Town General Tax

The project reflects critical goals of the New Paltz Transportation and Land Use Study. The concept is directly responsive to concerns and suggestions expressed at virtually every meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee.
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is the centerpiece of the New Paltz alternative transportation network. However it lacks connections to important community resources. A safe bicycle route to the Ulster County Fairgrounds is a high priority.

The Rail Trail to Fairgrounds connection will serve:

	-- Young persons especially, who are old enough to bike but too young to drive to:
		* Ulster County Pool
		* Town Athletic Fields (Field of Dreams)
	-- Alternate transportation to numerous events
		* Taste of New Paltz
		* Crafts Fairs
		* Ulster County Fair
		* 4th of July Fireworks
		* many other events
		

The Southern Ulster Alliance is developing a Master Plan linking a multi-municipal trail system within the Southern Ulster area. The Master Plan has identified links and possible trail areas for a comprehensive long range Master Plan of trail development. The Rail Trail to Fairgrounds connector is part of the Master Plan.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is part of a Regional Trail network.
Dutchess County is developing an extensive trail network that will someday link to Ulster County via the Walkway Over the Hudson.

There are long range plans to link the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland with the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz

As stated by Russell Robbins NYSDOT Regional Planner --
The bike/ped bridge over the Wallkill linking the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail with the County Pool/Fairgrounds and surrounding area has been proposed for over ten years and is an excellent project. It will provide the highest quality and safest non-motorized transportation for the entire community. NYSDOT and UCTC have included this project in the County Transportation Plan and in the MPO Plan because it is a vital link allowing people safe transportation between population centers and community resources that are heavily used.

Economic Benefits:

	-- The Rail Trail is already a tourist destination. The link to the Fairgrounds
	   will enhance its appeal.
	-- People will leave their cars in the Village to bike to the Fairgrounds. 
	   Upon their return they will be more likely to visit shops and
	   restaurants.
	-- Traffic congestion is one thing tourists don't like about New Paltz.
	   Every bicycle reduces the number of cars on the roads.
		

Find Out More:
Bridge of Dreams - Home Page
Project History
Grant Application Details

Return to www.newpaltz.org/ Home Page

This web page produced by Alan Stout, New Paltz Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee
Direct question to: Alan@StoutWebSites.com