Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown) joined Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and Congressman Mike Lawler to view the new Maybrook Bikeway Bridge, which opened to the public on November 7. The county’s Department of Public Works oversaw the contractors, Harrison and Burrowes Bridge Constructors, as well as Barton Loguidice, who completed this multi-use infrastructure project rehabilitating a 115-year-old span over the East Branch of the Croton River earlier this year.

The bridge is the result of an approved project labor agreement entered into by Putnam County with the hardworking skilled members of the LIUNA Laborers Local 60 and 235, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 137, and Ironworkers Local 417 for structural replacement, lead-paint removal, crack repair, and more. Congressman Lawler helped to secure the approximately $3.75 million in Federal Transit Administration (including NYS DOT) funding for the bridge project. State and county funding, including $50,000 in funding initially secured by then-Assemblyman Byrne and repurposed by Assemblyman Slater, covered the remaining portion of the project expenses.

The Maybrook Trailway is an off-road, paved, nine-mile stretch of the Empire State Trail extending from Brewster to the Pawling, Dutchess County border. Now, with this bridge completed, people can travel on the trail continuously from the CT state line, through Putnam County up through Dutchess and across the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.

Slater said, “It’s great to see this bridge open, connecting the Maybrook Trailway to neighboring towns and giving residents and visitors new access to the trail system. I’m proud to have helped secure the state funding to keep this project moving, and I want to thank Congressman Mike Lawler, County Executive Byrne, county leadership and—most importantly—the hardworking crews who made it happen.”

“This bridge-construction project was a major undertaking for Putnam County, knitting together our recreational trails and connecting residents and visitors alike with the Empire State Trail’s major arterial,” said Byrne. “We are grateful to Congressman Lawler and Assemblyman Slater for their work to secure the funding that made this crucial extension possible.”

“The opening of the Maybrook Bikeway Bridge is a big win for Putnam County and for everyone who enjoys our trails. This project strengthens the Empire State Trail, improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and connects more of our communities to the outdoors. I am proud that I was able to help secure federal funding, and I’m grateful to County Executive Byrne, Assemblyman Slater, and all the hardworking men and women who brought this project across the finish line,” said Rep. Mike Lawler.