KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announced on Wednesday that the County has reached a major milestone in securing the future of its transportation infrastructure, with State certification for the replacement of the Main Street/Rondout Creek (Kerhonkson Bridge).

State certification signifies that the bridge replacement project has met all of the requirements to be funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which paves the way for Ulster County to receive $4.7 million or 100% of the construction and inspection costs. The County awaits obligation of the funds by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and will begin advertising bids shortly.

The County Executive noted the importance of reopening this bridge to the people and businesses of Kerhonkson and his efforts to secure the funding as Chairman of the Ulster County Transportation Council and to ensure that resources were available for design and right of way acquisition necessary to receive funding by the required deadline. "This is wonderful news for the residents of Kerhonkson and for the people of Ulster County. Legislator Mary Sheeley and a great many others have tirelessly advocated for this project. My team has put forth a tremendous effort and I'm delighted with the progress," said the County Executive.

Joseph P. Stoeckeler, Jr., who represents Kerhonkson in District 1 in the Ulster County Legislature said, "The bridge replacement is crucial for emergency services, including the Kerhonkson Fire Department and the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad. The existing situation has been a major inconvenience for residents of the community. I hope that this bridge replacement will also be the first step in jump starting economic development on Main Street, in Kerhonkson."

Fellow District 1 Legislator, Thomas (T.J.) Briggs said, "It's been a long time coming and we're glad that we can finally get this bridge replaced for the people of Kerhonkson."

Legislator Mary F. Sheeley added, "After years of waiting, it's great to see this project become a reality, not only for the residents of Kerhonkson, but also for the community of Wawarsing. I commend the County Executive for his commitment to this project and for his perseverance in moving it forward."

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