Federal money to go to Beacon-Newburgh ferry

By Anthony Farmer
Poughkeepsie Journal

BEACON -- Plans to establish ferry service between Newburgh and Beacon will benefit from $1.65 million in funding secured in the 2003 federal budget.

U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, and U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah, announced they were able to help secure the money in the 2003 omnibus spending bill approved by the House Thursday.

The ferry would help ease traffic congestion and overcrowded parking facilities at the Metro-North station in Beacon, Kelly said. It can also help to boost waterfront development efforts in both cities, Hinchey said.

The share of the funding going to Beacon will help pay for the preparation of a walkway and the purchase and installation of a floating dock, Hinchey said. The money can also go toward the purchase or long-term lease of a ferry vessel, he said.

Hinchey helped get the money in the Transportation Appropriations bill from his seat on the House Appropriations Committee. Kelly worked to secure the funding as a member of the House Transportation Committee.