They asked for $3 million.
However, those with the Ohio River Greenway Development Commission aren’t complaining. They’re celebrating the fact that President Barack Obama signed a bill this week that gives them $969,000 to help fund completion of the greenway project.
The project includes creating a multipurpose pathway that would be lighted with seating alongside it connecting New Albany to paths in Clarksville and Jeffersonville, according to Scott Wood, commission board member and assistant director of planning for the City of New Albany.
“It’s important for a lot of reasons. It reconnects the city with the riverfront,” Wood said. “It creates an alternative way to get to Clarksville, Jeffersonville and vice versa.”
However, more funds are needed. He said though no formal estimate has been figured, he expects the project to cost between $4.5 million to $5 million, because of complicated work to go under the K & I bridge and dealing with the steep riverbank.
Wood said much of the funding, about $4 million, is obligated to the project. Wood said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of negotiating a contract with an architectural and engineering firm, so final costs won’t be known until that is done. He said donations would be sought to pick up the rest of the tab or some of the project would be put on hold.
Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., said this project will mean a lot for the area.
“This is an economic development and job-creation project,” Hill said. “As such, I have been a consistent supporter of it. And, we have already seen successes with this project.
“New restaurants and other businesses have set up shop near the multicity trail and many more plan to do the same.
“I am pleased we were successful in securing these funds, and look forward to seeing this project progress.”
Wood said the first phase of the project includes developing the path between Silver Creek to 18th Street in New Albany. He said he hopes construction to start on that portion by early summer and be done by January 2011.
As for Jeffersonville, plans are being finalized for a ramp that will go from the Big Four Bridge’s deck to Mulberry Street, near the intersections with Market and Chestnut streets.
The Big Four Bridge is a former railway span which is being converted into a pedestrian-only bridge connecting the downtowns of Louisville and Jeffersonville.
The state of Indiana has requested $15 million federal stimulus money to fund construction of the Jeffersonville approach — a ramp approximately 1,500 feet long that could accommodate emergency vehicles in addition to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Clark County
Related Photos
Discussion
It’s official: Greenway getting $969,000 in funding
-
-
Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
Continued ... -
Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
Continued ... -
JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
Continued ...
be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
Continued ... -
Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
Continued ... -
Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
Continued ...
He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
-
Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
Continued ... -
TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
Continued ...
But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
Continued ...
-
Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
