A DESTINY. A RIVER. A CITY.

Investments to Leverage Development) for Paducah.

“The river is what made us a city, and our downtown is what makes us unique,” says Mayor Brandi Harless. “It’s the beginning of our existence, 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.”

Paducah will be receiving $10.4 million for the Riverfront Commons project which includes the following elements:

• Riverboat excursion pier and plaza

• Bike, pedestrian, and broadband linkages from the Convention Center to the riverfront

• Improvements to the landing near the transient boat dock

“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,” said Senator McConnell. “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 added, “We are so grateful that this was chosen. It was very competitive. So, it took support from the community, support from the City, ver time, we’ve seen Paducah's Convention Center business ebb and flow. We’ve witnessed a once monumental 450-room riverfront hotel with a showroom that was host to hundreds of famous performers. We saw an exposition center rise from its foundations to make room for large exhibits. Then we watched as the Executive Inn became a forgotten landmark, and we’ve experienced the deterioration of the Showroom Lounge.

But in the last decade we’ve also been privileged to welcome a new hotel and significant upgrades to the Convention Center and Expo Center, which will welcome a Field & Stream event in 2020! The BUILD grant will allow us to make infrastructure improvements, like better linkages to downtown, improved intersections for pedestrian crossings, and covered walkways for hotel guests to the Convention Center.” —

BRANDI HARLESS, MAYOR, CITY OF PADUCAH

support from the State, and support from the federal officials to make this happen.”

“This really is what it’s all about in our community,” said City Manager Jim Arndt. “We sat down in January of last year and focused on our city’s strategic plan. This project helps us to begin to reach 12 of those initiatives. It’s a monumental occasion for the City of Paducah.”

The Riverfront Commons Project

The riverboat excursion pier and plaza was identified in the 2007 Riverfront Master Plan as one of many projects to enhance Paducah’s riverfront. The pier will provide a docking point for the riverboats that visit Paducah. Currently, visitors disembark and must climb a steep slope from the foot of Broadway in order to access the downtown area. The installation will provide a safer, easier transition from boat to land, allow for more secure riverboat dockings, and move the disembarkation point out of the flow of traffic.

Bike, pedestrian, and broadband linkages will include the development of a multi-use path from 6th Street along Park Ave/3rd Street into downtown to aid in the movement of pedestrian/bike traffic from the Convention Center to downtown. Key intersection improvements, including curb extensions, wayfinding, bus shelters, and crosswalks will make for an improved pedestrian experience. A broadband installation along the riverfront will allow for emergency call boxes, security cameras, and hardline Internet access for the transient boat dock.

The transient boat landing improvements include connecting sidewalks from the floodwall to the Greenway Trail, improving traffic control, adding landscaping to prevent erosion, and providing shade, wayfinding, and amenities for users of the transient boat dock.

“Paducah has always welcomed steamboats. It’s part of our heritage to greet boats and passengers at the riverfront and engage in commerce.

Paducah will soon raise the bar for communities along the Ohio River with a dock designed especially for large passenger vessels that offers a safe, efficient way for travelers to disembark and experience all that Paducah has to offer. I believe this will be a valuable asset as it builds upon our location at the center of the inland rivers and puts us in a position to welcome more steamboats and new river vessels.

This is a major step in Paducah‘s evolution as a river cruise port and possibly becoming a port of call. Being a port of call means passengers begin and end cruises at that stop. This, in turn, brings increased tourism impact to a community.

Travelers arrive by car, air, rail or motorcoach. Many arrive early or extend their stay after the cruise.

Every aspect of Paducah feels the impact of visitors who stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, tour cultural attractions, and shop. It’s a win-win when we can attract and welcome people with expendable income who have appreciation for the culture and heritage of our river town.”

MARY HAMMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PADUCAH CVB