Riverfront Commons Project garners $350K from Ky.

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. - Through the work of Southbank Partners and others, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority has secured $350,000 from the Commonwealth of Kentucky in dollar-for-dollar matching funds for the Ohio River Bank Stabilization Project, a key component of the Riverfront Commons plan.

This is the first time in recent memory, if ever, Northern Kentucky has received funding from the Highway Construction Contingency Account, which is included in the Transportation Cabinet budget for FY 2011-12.

The funds are targeted towards a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study on the overall Riverfront Commons project that includes actual work of stabilizing the riverfront.

The Riverfront Commons project will address serious riverbank erosion along the south shore of the Ohio River and create a multi-use pedestrian pathway connecting the river cities of Northern Kentucky by linking residential and commercial locations, recreation opportunities, tourist attractions and art and cultural sites while providing a walking and hiking trail along the river.

“Securing this grant is quite helpful to further develop the Riverfront Commons project,” commented Roger Peterman, Chairman, Northern Kentucky Port Authority.

“With Southbank’s direction, we are off to a good start towards realizing our dream of a connected riverfront in Northern Kentucky. We have such a superb resource in the Ohio River, that it behooves us work cooperatively. The Northern Kentucky Port Authority is pleased to facilitate this grant and assist the Riverfront Commons project and looks forward to working with the Army Corps of Engineers.”

“We are so excited that the state of Kentucky recognizes that riverside stabilization and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ feasibility study are top priorities,” said Southbank President Jack Moreland. “This is yet another example of what can be accomplished by Northern Kentucky coming together for common goals.”

The timeline for the Ohio River Bank Stabilizations Project is being developed.