The "Our River…Our Riverfront" project will be one of many initiatives that will ensure the future success of our community.
Like many public work projects, the riverfront project requires considerable coordination with local, state and federal officials.
More importantly, we have made sure that throughout all of our discussions, we have been accessible and transparent in all of our actions with you and other residents of our community.
It is a complex and challenging project that has the support of our local Columbus Redevelopment Commission, our city council and the administration of Mayor Jim Lienhoop.
At the state level, we are seeking permit approval of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Governor Holcomb’s administration.
At the federal level, we have enlisted the support of Congressman Greg Pence and will seek additional support from U.S. Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun.
Finally, the project will receive an extensive review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to approval.
There are several reasons why the riverfront project means so much to our community and why we are working so diligently to coordinate the approval of various local, state and federal agencies.
While some believe that phasing the project over time should be considered, it is not the most feasible financially and logistically for the taxpayers of our community.
First, it is more economical for the project to receive approval for all of the work at one time. To divide the project into phases will result in major cost increases and possible delays due to repetitive permitting procedures. It will also result in more of our tax dollars being spent to complete the project and an extension of years for completion.
Second, we will be able to move ahead in a coordinated fashion to make our riverfront safer for residents and to protect our environment. We will remove a low-head dam, reduce erosion, complete riverbank reinforcement, remove sediment and protect areas for wetlands, natural and aquatic wildlife. We will also include designs to reduce the impact of flooding along the river and redesign the present location of a major sanitary sewer line. Also, once constructed, we will work with our local law enforcement officials to make sure that areas along the river have adequate police patrols and the availability of emergency service staffers with full access to the entire river.
Third, the project will be a major expansion of local recreational opportunities for you and other residents. We will extend the People Trail to our riverfront. We will open up our community and make it accessible for residents wanting to travel from the west side of town to the north or east. The project will also make the riverfront an accessible place for use by individuals, families and visitors.
Fourth, this project will result in our ability to attract new employees and residents to our community. Having additional community amenities has proven to be a major incentive in retaining the jobs that we have and attracting new jobs for the future. Being able to tout that we have a revitalized riverfront will add to the present mix of outstanding and growing attributes of our community.
Fifth, we will expand and increase support for our local tourism industry. With the riverfront open as a regional attraction, we will attract more visitors, resulting in support for our local businesses. Combined with our already proven ability to be a welcoming community, the Riverfront project will provide additional Return on Investment for Columbus.
This year, we celebrate the 200th year of the founding of Columbus. From its founding, the river has played a role in the progress of our community. It is a natural asset that many communities would love to have as their “front door.” The river is part of our heritage and definitely a key part of our future.
This is our opportunity to make a difference for this and future generations. We welcome your input and we always welcome your support. For more information on the riverfront project please go to www.columbusriverfront.org or call 812-376-2547.
Thank you again for joining me and others by making Columbus and Bartholomew County your home.
Sarah Cannon is the president of the Columbus Redevelopment Commission. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
