ANDES, 09/23/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined officials from Andes Central School to announce a $140,000 state grant to fund reconstruction work on the school’s historic entrance. 

“Andes Central School is well-known for many positive attributes including the iconic pedestrian bridge and rock walls that accentuate the school’s entryway,” said Senator Seward.  “As you drive along Delaware Avenue in Andes, the school building stands out, and preserving the site’s historic nature means a great deal to alumni and the entire community.  Properly maintaining the main public entry is also key from a safety perspective.”

Andes Central School Superintendent Doctor Robert Chakar, Jr. said, “The distinctive entry to Andes Central School is cherished by those who have attended the school and the community as a whole.  Thanks to Senator Seward we are able to maintain this important connection to our past without sacrificing other important student needs or raising taxes.”

The $140,000 capital grant secured by Senator Seward through the State and Municipal Facilities Program is being used to replace the existing 80 year old pedestrian bridge with a new cast-in-place concrete arched span.  The replacement will feature improved drainage, a new stone veneer, and additional upgrades consistent with the historic nature of the bridge.

“I am extremely pleased to partner with the Andes Central School to ensure future generations of students will continue to walk in the footsteps of their predecessors as they cross Tremperkill Creek and prepare to learn at the storied school,” concluded Seward.

The reconstruction project is anticipated to begin in summer 2017.

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