CASTLETON, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On Thursday, around 11:35 a.m., Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to announce $21M in federal funding going toward improving the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge. Congressman Paul Tonko and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan stood alongside the Governor and Secretary of Transportation as the announcement was made.

The Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge is one of nine bridges nationwide receiving federal funding for improvements. Buttigieg emphasized the consistent upkeep the bridge has undergone, how often the bridge is used, and how this funding will help extend the bridge’s lifespan by 50 years in the announcement.

This bridge connects Albany and Rensselaer Counties and sees on average, more than 6.2 million vehicles per year. Buttigieg said the $21 million dollars in federal funding will help save tax payers money. The first westbound phase of the project is underway.

“We started a $47.6 million dollar project. It wasn’t enough. So the $21 million dollars here today, will get us over the finish line and do it right,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

The second half of the project will go to bid in the Spring of 2024.