Columbus has received a $5,000 Nature Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation’s for energy efficient lighting as part of the city’s “Our River…Our Riverfront” project.
The funds will be used to install lighting under the Second and Third Street Bridges along the riverwalk, city officials said.
The lighting will “meet standards designed to protect the environment” consistent with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ work to support wildlife in areas of the project, according to the city.
“The riverfront community investment project is designed to showcase the value of our river and to ensure that this and future generations enjoy the quality of life benefits of this wonderful resource. This partnership with yet another private sector entity demonstrates again that Columbus is one of our state’s most vibrant communities,” said Redevelopment Director Heather Pope.
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Mayor Jim Lienhoop said that the riverfront project will create 89 construction-related jobs, invest $1.6 million in the local economy through local income tax during construction and help generate $280,000 in state and local taxes.
“Duke Energy believes in investing in our Indiana communities,” said Chip Orben of the Duke Energy Foundation. “Columbus is moving ahead and developing plans for the future. Knowing that our funds will promote the riverfront development project and be used for energy conservation made this appealing to our foundation.”
According to the riverfront project website, major design concepts for the project include:
Accommodating the probable realignment of State Road 46
A river walk on the east bank with a connection to the People Trail
Improved three-dimensional connectivity
Nature-themed play space on the west bank
In-river improvements
The riverfront project is scheduled to start sometime in 2021 and will take 18 months to complete.
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More information about the project is available at columbusriverfront.org.
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