The City of Paducah is excited to share the news received November 6, 2019, from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that the City will be receiving significant funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program. In July 2019, the City submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting funding to improve various transportation elements along the downtown riverfront.
Paducah will be receiving $10.4 million for the Riverfront Commons project which includes the following elements:
Leader McConnell said in a news release, “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. 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.” Read Leader McConnell's Entire News Release >>
A news conference to announce and celebrate this grant award was held November 6, 2019.
At the October 13, 2020, meeting of the Paducah Board of Commissioners, City Engineer Rick Murphy showed several concept drawings for the riverboat landing area. Plus, he provided artistic design concepts for the concrete monoliths along the riverfront which are remnants of a conveyor system for offloading materials from barges.
To view the slide presentation from that meeting, visit Riverboat Landing Area/Concrete Monolith Concept Drawings.
Below are the concept drawings that were included in the BUILD grant application.
Regarding the improvements to the downtown riverfront and the concept drawings, please let us know your comments by completing the form below or by sending an email to buildgrant@paducahky.gov. Your input is appreciated.
In April 2019, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an opportunity for organizations to apply for $900 million in discretionary grant funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. This funding is due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019. BUILD Transportation grants replace the pre-existing Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
The 2019 BUILD Transportation grants are for investments in surface transportation infrastructure. They were awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, or intermodal transportation. Projects were evaluated based on criteria giving special consideration to projects that emphasize improved access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities in rural areas. This includes projects that improve infrastructure condition, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity, facilitate economic growth or competitiveness, deploy broadband as part of an eligible transportation project, or promote energy independence.
For the 2019 round of BUILD Transportation grants, the maximum award was $25 million with no more than $90 million to be awarded to a single state. Plus, at least 50 percent of funds must be awarded to projects located in rural areas. Paducah is classified as a rural area. Paducah submitted its application by the July 15, 2019, deadline.
At its July 9, 2019, meeting, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved applying for the BUILD Transportation Grant. The City of Paducah is partnering with the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority to seek grant funds totaling $15.3 million with a local match of $1.5 million.
(NOTE: THIS PORTION WAS NOT FUNDED) Riverport Container Transfer Yard - The container transfer yard development prepares the Riverport to support the emerging demand for Container on Barge (COB) in the four-state region. |
Riverboat Excursion Pier & Plaza - The Riverboat Excursion Pier & Plaza provides an attractive, ADA-compliant transition from commercial riverboats to the riverfront and downtown Paducah. |
Bike/Ped/Broadband Linkages from Convention Center to Riverfront - The Bike/Ped Linkages is a comprehensive network that connects the Marine Highway to key riverfront destinations by bike, on foot, ridesharing or by bus using a multi-use pathway, integrated wayfinding signage, and enhanced intersection & transit improvements at key intersections. The project also features a broadband trunk installation allowing for hardline broadband service to the Transient Boat Dock fueling and reservations, security cameras and call-boxes, and web supported commerce along the riverfront. |
Paducah Landing - Paducah Landing provides necessary amenities and connection to surface transportation for travelers using the Transient Boat Dock.ansportation assets by maximizing their connectivity |
BUILD grant total request: $15.3 million (91%)
Local match total: $1.5 million (9%)
Total Cost of Project: $16.8 million
Grant application due date: July 15, 2019
Grant award notice: November 12, 2019 (actually received notice on November 6, 2019)
Obligation of funds (Go to bid): September 30, 2021
Completion of construction: September 30, 2026
In 2018, the City of Paducah applied for a BUILD grant. Visit 2018 BUILD Grant to learn more about that application.