RFC FIRST PHASE RIBBON CUTTING

Ribbon cutting/dedication for first leg of Riverfront Commons in Newport; new walking bridge connects Newport on the Levee and the Purple People Bridge to flood wall walking path

Wednesday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.

Officials from Southbank Partners, The City of Newport, The Kentucky General Assembly and the State of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will formally dedicate a new walking bridge that connects Newport on the Levee and The Purple People Bridge with a new walking path atop the floodwall that runs east of the Levee to the I-471 bridge. The project is the first completed phase of Riverfront Commons.

Scheduled to participate in the dedication ceremony are:
Roger Peterman, chairman of the Riverfront Commons Committee, a member of the Southbank Board of Directors and Chairman of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority.
Newport Mayor Jerry Peluso.
Newport City Manager Tom Fromme.
State Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder.
Rob Hans, Chief District Engineer, District 6, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Southbank Partners president Jack Moreland the $1.2 million project was funded through a combination of federal, state and local dollars.

“This is the first phase of the transformational Riverfront Commons project and is a result of tremendous cooperation between The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and The City of Newport,” Moreland said.

Newport City Manager Tom Fromme said he is pleased with how the project enhances the city’s connection to the Ohio River.

“This phase of the project provides an easy connection between the Levee, the Purple People Bridge and the flood wall,” Fromme said. “And it is a great way to connect the city to the river. ”
The bridge and walking path are the first legs of Riverfront Commons, a planned 11.5 mile walking/ biking path that runs along the Ohio River from the city of Ludlow on the west to the city of Ft. Thomas on the east. Eco-system Restoration, Riverside Stabilization, Economic Development and Recreation are benefits from the development of this venue. Nodes (intersecting pathways) will provide connections to attractions in all of six Southbank cities. Once created Riverfront Commons will make the south bank of the Ohio the most interesting walkway/bikeway in the mid-west. Riverfront Commons will seamlessly connect over the Purple People Bridge to trails in Cincinnati, to the Licking River Greenway in Northern Kentucky, and to Devou Park in Covington.
The 15-20 foot wide path will feature open park space at strategic points along the river, accommodating both walkers and bikers. A series of points of access, or nodes, will provide easy linkage to neighborhood, residential, business, entertainment and historic districts.

Media coverage of the dedication and ribbon-cutting is encouraged and appreciated. Also, this alert is not embargoed so you are welcome to advance.

Free parking is available in Lot B of Newport on the Levee, the surface parking lot just east of the Levee. Access to the lot is from Third Street and from Washington Ave.

For more information about Southbank Partners visit www.SouthbankPartners.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jack Moreland
Southbank Partners
859-655-7700
jmoreland@southbankpartners.com

Patrick Crowley
Strategic Advisers, LLC
859-462-4245 mobile
pcrowley@strategicadvisersllc.com