Upgrading the waterfront tracks would be part of a major waterfront revitalization

WASHINGTON – A more than $779,000 federal shot in the arm will be coming to upgrade the trolley tracks as part of the waterfront revitalization efforts in Kingston now that the Senate has approved the funding. The House last week gave its nod and now all that is needed is President Obama’s signature.

“The money is a smart investment that will fuel smart economic growth and promote tourism in the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Charles Schumer. The project will mean construction jobs along with revitalization of the waterfront that will boost tourism, he said.

Mayor James Sottile said the funding will go a long way to restoring the facility and growing the community.

“As we rehabilitate our waterfront, we are now able to extend the trolley tracks and bring them up to speed in a better condition so that we are able to provide a different mode of transportation as we look to the future and develop out housing complexes on the banks of the Hudson, we will now have a unique way to get there,” he said.

In 1983, the City of Kingston bought the railroad tracks from Penn Central, which helped bring the Trolley Museum of New York there the following year.

For the last 26 years, the all volunteer group has operated a seasonal excursion along the central revitalization area and brought visitors out to Kingston Point on the Hudson River.

The trolley track system is intact but in need of substantial upgrades. The federal funding will reconstruct the existing rail system for a new trolley and add to the economic impact of the city waterfront revitalization efforts, said Mayor James Sottile.