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Governor David Paterson today announced the ground breaking of the first transportation infrastructure project in the Hudson Valley funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Construction began on the $2.8 million project to rebuild the Odell Avenue Bridge over the abandoned railroad in the city of Yonkers in Westchester County. .

The Governor recently certified the project for economic recovery funding, along with others for the Hudson Valley area. The region is expected to receive a total investment of $167 million in ARRA funding for highway and bridge improvements.

“This bridge replacement is the first of many essential safety enhancements to the Hudson Valley’s transportation system, thanks to the vision of President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation,” Governor Paterson said. “Projects like this will create jobs in our Hudson Valley communities and all across New York State, helping to give local economies a much-needed boost.”

The project will use $2.8 million in ARRA funds to replace the structurally-deficient bridge that carries Odell Avenue, between Nepperhan Avenue and Saw Mill River Road, over the South County Trail Way, formerly Putnam Railroad. The current steel girder structure will be replaced with a prefabricated arch that will allow the majority of work to take place below the existing deck without impacting traffic. Once the arch is in place, the existing bridge will be demolished. The construction contract was awarded to PCI Industries Corp. of Mount Vernon, Westchester County. The project is expected to be completed in December.

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “The jobs retained and created by economic recovery funding are crucial to strengthening New York State’s economy, and it has been Governor Paterson’s dedication to using these essential federal funds that has both produced and secured steady paychecks for many New Yorkers. The lifespan of Hudson Valley’s transportation infrastructure will be extended and the safety of many highways and bridges enhanced through these important state and local projects.”

State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Providing funding for the rebuilding of the Odell Avenue Bridge in Yonkers has long been a priority for me, first as a County Legislator, and now as the State Senator representing this part of the City. After encountering many challenges to expediting this project, it has been so rewarding to work with GovernorPaterson to ensure that ARRA funding was allocated for this vital infrastructure project. Utilizing the federal stimulus dollars that have been secured by President Obama and our Congressional Delegation will help offset the local costs of this important project, while simultaneously creating jobs and revitalizing our local economy.”

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “This is about jobs and this is about safety. This project is the first of five that we hope to start work on during the summer. Collectively, they are expected to create 98 jobs and stimulate the local economy. This will benefit all county residents, regardless of where they are located in the county.’’