They are among the most popular attractions in the Hudson Valley, but they may fall victim to the state”™s economic woes and budget shortfalls.
The Walkway Over the Hudson will be closed during cold weather months from December through March; be closed two days a week April through November; and be open fewer hours on the days it is open, unless Gov. David Paterson”™s proposal to raid the state Environmental Protection Fund of $5 million is adopted by the state Legislature
Minnewaska State Park, one of the most heavily used  parks in the state system, would also see hours limited, as would the historic Senate House in Kingston and the  Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Dutchess County. Dozens of other sites statewide are slated for reductions in hours or outright closure, under the proposal announced late in February, in addition to the 79 state park and historic sites cited for closure in a plan released by the governor”™s office earlier in the winter.
Closure of the walkway could potentially harm a burgeoning tourism venue in Poughkeepsie. Restaurants near the Poughkeepsie train station reported huge increases in business in the weeks after the walkway first opened the weekend of October 1-3, saying the 212 foot high bike and pedestrian span over the Hudson River was attracting visitors from the metropolitan area who were arriving by train for a stroll and then taking in a meal. Some restaurants started free services using vans to pick up visitors at the train station and transport them to the walkway and eateries.
In Ulster County, Minnewaska state park draws more than a quarter-million visitors annually to enjoy its vistas, waterfalls, hiking, biking and swimming. The park often fills up to capacity early on summer weekends and it is in the midst of a master plan revision to help it cope with its popularity while preserving the beauty of the Shawangunk Ridge”™s habitats.
The state is seeking to balance a budget shortfall of about $8 billion for the upcoming 2010-2011 state fiscal year. Local political officials from both parties criticized the governor”™s proposal, but did not rule it out, nor did they endorse it. And they warned tough decisions will face New Yorkers in deciding how to allocate state funds.
Ulster Count Executive Michael Hein and county Comptroller Elliott Auerbach have come out strongly opposing the closures, saying such a move “thrashes the local tourism economy.”
