ONEONTA, 11/16/11 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) recently joined in the grand reopening of the Pony Farm Road bridge in the Town of Oneonta.  The bridge connecting State Route 7 and Pony Farm Road had been closed since January 2008.

“Pony Farm Road businesses and residents rely on this bridge for improved access and safety,” said Senator Seward.  “By leveraging public and private funding sources the long-awaited span was completed without impacting local taxes – a major plus.”

In 2006 Senator Seward secured a $285,000 state grant to help cover construction expenses for the Pony Farm Road bridge.  Seward then negotiated an agreement with Canadian Pacific Rail (CP Rail) to provide $285,000 toward construction along with additional engineering support.

Bids for the project returned in 2009 were higher than anticipated forcing the Town of Oneonta to seek other revenue streams.  Assemblyman William Magee secured additional state funding in 2010 and in 2011 Otsego County also committed funding to help make up the difference

“Senator Seward has been directly involved in this project from day one,” said Town of Oneonta Supervisor Robert Wood.  “Thanks to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Magee the new bridge is now in place restoring a much needed access point for the lower portion of Pony Farm Road.”

-30-