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Council hears $150,000 request to leverage $5 million federal Riverwalk funds
Summary
Staff requested $150,000 in city funds to complement a $5 million congressional earmark for the Riverfront Island implementation—Beach Street extension, Riverwalk amenities, pavilion and pilot projects—with staff noting rising costs and the award letter in hand.
City staff told the City Council the March 4 capital request for Riverfront Island implementation seeks $150,000 in local funds to support a larger, roughly $5 million federal allocation for riverfront improvements including the Beach Street extension, a community pavilion, landscaping, and a pilot for Oxford Street overhangs and lower canal steps.
Director Roy (staff) said the $150,000 request would supplement previously secured congressional directed spending and could be used either for additional landscaping, benches and amenities or to cover the base project if construction estimates exceed the federal award. "That is the direct request for this year...that is goes along with the previous congressional directed spending project on the Riverwalk," staff said.
Staff credited congressional offices for securing the earmarks and said the city has an award letter. "Senator Collins...Congressman Golden secured one of the earmarks...Senator King has been supportive," staff said, noting the $150,000 would help draw down the larger award.
Why it matters: the local match would unlock and enhance a multi‑million dollar federal investment in downtown riverfront amenities that staff and several councilors described as central to the city’s economic development and future character. Councilors thanked staff and recognized the project as an important part of the Riverfront Island master plan.
No final vote on the request was recorded during the workshop; staff said forms and design work remain before construction estimates are finalized.
