The Progress
Providing a specific timeline for start and completion of these components is difficult to provide. There are many factors outside of our control that affect the schedule. One example of this is the permits needed from the state and federal government. Another is timing and availability of additional funding. Therefore the following times are a best guess estimate and will be revise as the process evolves.
Boat Launch
Construction start date anticipated in late Spring 2008.
Completion date expected in Fall 2008.
The new boat launch will be the first component constructed. An access road will be built over the floodwall at the intersection of North 6th Street and Burnett Street down to the river. The ramp will be a 6-lane concrete facility with a floating courtesy dock. A 100-space parking lot will be provided to help handle large fishing tournaments. Restroom facilities will be provided at the top of the access road to serve the boat launch and greenway. The new boat launch will be lighted and security will be provided with cameras and police patrol.
Schultz Park
Construction start date anticipated in Summer 2008.
Completion dated expected in Fall 2009.
The new landform will have to be created first. Most of the 2008 construction will be dumping fill into the river and letting it settle over a 9-12 month period. After the fill has stabilized, the amenities will be added creating the new park.
Transient Dock
Construction start date anticipated in Summer 2009.
Completion date expected in Fall 2009.
The new landform will have to be created before the gangway can be constructed and the transient dock can be built. It is estimated that funding is in place to complete the gangway, approximately 400’ of dock/riverwalk, and construction of a ship’s store. The remainder of the transient dock and riverwalk relies on additional funding being secured.
Steamboat/Passenger Dock
Hopeful construction start date in 2010.
Hopeful completion date in 2010.
Passenger vessel trips that currently dock in Paducah are expected to continue and grow over the next few years. A new facility will be designed in the area between Jefferson Street and Broadway to better accommodate these vessels. The new facility will take advantage of the existing infrastructure at the large opening in the floodwall in front of the main downtown parking lot.
Kentucky to Broadway
These improvements have not been funded at this time. The Riverfront Masterplan illustrates improvements at the foot of Broadway to Kentucky. These improvements have been put on hold until the community makes a decision on what to do with this area. Factors involved in this decision are the recommended plan, automobile access, River Heritage Museum future plans, or a combination of the three. This area remains a high priority for improvements and could be the next logical phase, but this has all yet to be determined.
Marina
The permanent slips and marina are not funded at this time. As funding becomes available, the marina will likely be the next step in the development process. The city will likely build between 75-150 slips to begin with in order to gauge market demand. The marina feasibility study indicates enough demand for 300 slips right now.
Other Plan Components
The remainder of the plan components has not been funded at this time. Many of the landside components are based on private funding and will occur over time as interested investors or private owners become available.