Authorization to Apply for BUILD Grant
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order authorizing the City to submit to a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The City is partnering with the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for the grant and has the support of McCracken County. The City is seeking $15.3 million in BUILD grant funding with a local match of $1.5 million from City undesignated cash reserves. The deadline to apply for the grant is July 15, but the City plans to submit the grant application this Friday.
The proposed project includes the design and construction of the following elements:
- Riverport Container Transfer Yard;
- Riverboat Excursion Pier and Plaza;
- Bike, Pedestrian, and Broadband linkages from the Convention Center to the riverfront; and
- Improvements to the landing near the Transient Boat Dock.
The Riverport Container Transfer Yard will allow the Riverport to handle both general and containerized cargo. This will offer regional shippers a cost-effective option to move goods to domestic and international markets while reducing semi-truck traffic on highways.
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 and easier transition from boat to land, allow for more secure riverboat dockings, and move the disembarkation point out of the flow of traffic at the Foot of Broadway.
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/Dome 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 Greenway Trail, improving traffic control, adding landscaping to prevent erosion and providing shade, wayfinding, and amenities for users of the transient boat dock.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 appropriated $900 million to be awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation for National Infrastructure Investments otherwise known as the BUILD grant program. Applicants can apply for up to $25 million for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will have a significant local or regional impact.
Quick Highlights
- Police Chief Brian Laird introduced new police officers Casey Steenbergen and JonMichael Wentworth. He also introduced Justin Crowell who was just promoted to Assistant Chief and Matt Scheer who was promoted recently to Sergeant.
- Boards and Commissions:
- Appointment of Ines Rivas-Hutchins to the Code Enforcement Board.
- Reappointment of Monica Feiler to the Paducah Civic Beautification Board.
- Municipal order approved accepting the proposed premiums from the Kentucky League of Cities for Workers’ Compensation, Liability, and Property Insurance coverage. The total cost of all premiums is $1,145,146.74. The Health Department will reimburse the City $3,011.10, and Paxton Park Golf Course will reimburse the City $4,919.70.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the transfer of $3500 from the Commission Contingency account for the Strategic Plan action item related to Impact Poverty Next Steps. These funds will support the local United Way in its efforts to help individuals living in poverty obtain and keep employment. Upcoming activities include hosting a Getting Ahead group with Paducah Housing Authority residents, encouraging business leaders to attend the Bridges Out of Poverty workshop at WKCTC, and assisting the Workforce Development Board with creating an asset map for resources in our community.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the agreement with Axon Enterprise in an amount of $513,830.52 for the purchase of in-car cameras for the Paducah Police Department including equipment, licensing, and storage. Furthermore, this municipal order ratifies an agreement with Axon for the software licensing and storage for body worn cameras for the Police Department in the amount of $277,551.18.
- Ordinance approved amending Paducah Code of Ordinances Section 2-211 regarding City departments. This ordinance creates a new department called Customer Experience; separates the City Clerk’s office from the General Government Department; and renames General Government as the Administration Department.
- Ordinance introduced (vote July 23) to amend Paducah Code of Ordinances Sections 18-61, 18-62, and 18-63 to adjust permit fees and charges in the Fire Prevention Division. This ordinance would increase building and electrical permit fees to be more in line with fees charged by McCracken County. These fees have not been increased since the 1980s.
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