The City of Paducah has released the barges that have been used to transport more than 300,000 tons of stone for its Riverfront Development Project. According to the city, this was to prevent a $6,000-per-day charge to reserve the barges for potential work.
The City Commission decided in a closed meeting not to move forward on an order to add 80,000 tons of stone meant to elevate the project at a cost of $800,000. This amount would bring the project to a more desirable elevation. This decision does not stop the project; however, it gives the City additional time to determine the best path moving forward with the contractor on creating the landmass. Work is continuing on the installation of the dozen 36-inch-diameter steel pilings that will provide the support structure for the gangway that will lead to a transient dock.
The City also is working on scaling back the project components in the next phase to reduce the project’s total estimated cost. The next phase includes the finishing of the breakwater with approximately four feet of soil, greenery and walkways to make it a park atmosphere, the construction of a transient dock and gangway, and the construction of a marina services building and fuel components.
The City has a $4.49 million contract for the installation of rock to create a breakwater adjacent to Schultz Park and the installation of the 12 structures/pilings to support a future gangway. Once the rock is in place, it will need to settle for nine to 12 months before further work can commence.
The majority of the rock and steel piling phase of the riverfront project is funded by a $2.97 million Neighborhood Initiative Project Grant by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City has additional grant money that is specific to the next phase of the project. For more information about the Riverfront Redevelopment Project, visit www.riverfrontpaducah.com.
