PADUCAH, Ky. — The City of Paducah will receive $10.4 million in funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program for the Riverfront Commons project. Riverfront Commons will include the Riverboat Excursion Pier and Plaza along with bike, pedestrian and broadband linkages from the Convention Center to the riverfront and improvements to the landing near the Transient Boat Dock.
In July the city submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting funding to improve various transportation elements along the downtown riverfront.
Mayor Brandi Harless said, “That river [Ohio River] is what made us a city, and our downtown is what’s makes us unique. It’s the beginnings of our existence here, and it deserves to be honored and for us to take full advantage of its potential. As we continue to compete with other cities for jobs and to grow our population, these are the types of projects that will set us apart. Between this project, the TIF District development, and the Opportunity Zone designation, our riverfront and downtown have a bright future ahead of us.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a news release, “With this BUILD grant, Paducah can continue creating new opportunities for tourism, recreation and commerce along the riverfront in support of good jobs and economic growth. Making Paducah an economic leader in our Commonwealth and the region has long been a priority for me, and I have been proud to work with Mayor Harless, Judge Clymer, and other city leaders to continue developing the riverfront and its vast potential. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m constantly looking for new opportunities for this wonderful region, and I was glad to help deliver this latest federal investment in Paducah’s bright future.”
City Commissioner and Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilson said, “We are so grateful that this was chosen. It was very competitive. So, it took support from the community, support from the City, support from the State, and support from the federal officials to make this happen.”
City Manager Jim Arndt said, “This really is what it is all about. We sat down back in January and focused on our Strategic Plan. This project helps us get 12 of those initiatives. It’s a monumental occasion for the City of Paducah.”
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