(contributed photo)

KERHONKSON – Work has begun to replace the Herbert Poppel Bridge, in Kerhonkson.   

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein was joined   by Lori DuBord from Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s Office, Town of Wawarsing  Supervisor Ed Jennings, Ulster County District 1 Legislators and representatives from  Kerhonkson’s Fire Department, First-Aid Squad, Lion’s Club and business community,  for a groundbreaking ceremony. 

The span, which connects U.S. Route 209 and U.S. Route 44/State Route 55 had been judged  by state agencies to be structurally deficient for over a decade and was finally closed to traffic  in the later part of 2008.   

In March, 2009 Ulster County applied for stimulus funding under the American Recovery and  Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and, with the assistance of Congressman Maurice Hinchey, secured  $4.7million for replacement of the bridge. This is the first stimulus funded bridge project to get  underway in Ulster County.   

“This project was a very long time in coming,” said Hein. “I fully appreciate  the burden placed upon the emergency services, residents and business community in the  Kerhonkson area. Since taking office for the first time this past January, my office has worked  very hard to get this project going and I am grateful to Congressman Hinchey for his efforts to  secure the funding.   

Ulster County Legislator Mary Sheeley (D-Dist. 1) said, ‘We’ve been looking forward to this time for  many years. The combined efforts of community members, local leaders, the voice of our new County  Executive and Congressman Hinchey were a winning combination for the residents and business people  of the Kerhonkson area.”   

“It’s about time,” said Ulster County Legislator Joe Stoeckler (D-Dist.). “This is a good example why we  needed a County Executive to speak with one voice to advocate for the interests of the people of Ulster  County. I applaud County Executive Hein, Congressman Hinchey and everyone who played a role in bringing  this project to fruition.”