Governor Beshear Presents $1.5 Million for Paducah Riverfront Redevelopment Project

Supports city’s visionary revitalization of Ohio River shoreline

PADUCAH, Ky. – November 24, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Steve Beshear today ceremonially presented more than $1.5 million in state funding to support Paducah’s Riverfront Redevelopment Project, which aims to transform the community’s Ohio River shoreline.

The state funding will give a boost to a phase of the project that includes completion of a land mass in the river and construction of a gangway and floating service dock at which passing boaters can take on fuel, water and other supplies and have sewage safely disposed.

The project, designated as Riverfront Redevelopment Phase 1-B, will cost $8.1 million. It is part of a larger plan that will transform the riverfront with a public park and landscaping, plazas and a pavilion, ample parking and a host of cultural amenities.

“The funding being presented today represents an investment in a vision,” said Gov. Beshear, who presented Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler with a ceremonial check to the City of Paducah in the amount of $1,525,000.

“The vision is that of a largely barren Ohio River shoreline transformed into a place of pride for the community and enjoyment by citizens and visitors alike, now and for generations to come. When the current vision becomes a finished work, the Jackson Purchase will have even more reason to call itself a tourism destination,” Gov. Beshear said.

Mayor Kaler said the city’s plan for a riverfront that encourages outdoor activity also comports with Gov. Beshear’s promotion of better health.

“I want to thank Governor Beshear for making it a priority to improve the health of Kentuckians by encouraging them to enjoy the great outdoors through parks, walking trails and adventure tourism,” Mayor Kaler said. “I applaud his vision of a healthier Kentucky. Paducah’s Riverfront Redevelopment Project complements his vision by providing amenities for walking, biking and boating. We look forward to completing Phase I-B and commencing the next phase of riverfront redevelopment.”

“I appreciate Governor Beshear’s support of the Riverfront Redevelopment Project, as demonstrated with this infusion of state funding,” said Rep. Gerald Watkins, of Paducah. It’s typical of the Governor’s support for the Jackson Purchase generally – its infrastructure, economic development and tourism industry.”

Phase 1-B will include completion of rock filling in the river to enable an expansion of Shultz Park, which now is a narrow thread along the city’s floodwall. The stone will be topped with soil, grass and landscaping. A gangway to the river will connect with a 340-foot “transient” dock, a floating facility that potentially could be expanded into a marina. The city’s contractor for Phase 1-B is MAC Construction and Excavating Inc.