Senator Voinovich tours Cincinnati Riverfront Park construction site, pledges additional support

Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), visited the Cincinnati Riverfront Park (CRP) construction site to observe the progress being made on phase one of the 45-acre park.  Once complete, the riverfront park is expected to attract millions of visitors to downtown Cincinnati and serve as a welcome mat to the region. During Senator Voinovich’s visit Park Board officials discussed the need for an additional $6.5 million of Federal support, and requested Federal authorization for the project be increased from $30 million to $80 million that would be split up between $40 million in Federal and $40 million in non-Federal dollars. “We were most gratified at the senator’s enthusiastic response to our Phase I park construction, which is on budget and on-time for a Spring, 2011 opening,” said Cincinnati Parks Director Willie F. Carden Jr.  “The senator also reiterated his support for our current efforts to receive an additional $6.5 million in Federal dollars along with the expansion of the Federal authorization.” In 2007 Voinovich was able to help secure the existing $30 million authorization as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WDRA) bill while serving as a member of the Environment & Public Works Committee.  The project received additional support from the senator last year with a $5.2 million in construction appropriations. “From my days as mayor I have always been a champion of public-private partnerships just like this,” said Senator Voinovich. “I applaud the way that the private sector is working towards their goal of $40 million dollars, after already stepping up to the plate with $7 million to fund this park. I look forward to seeing the finished project and enjoying all that the historic Cincinnati riverfront has to offer.” In addition to the Federal appropriations, the CRP has been able to secure City and State funds along with “substantial private donations” that will help build unique features at the park and endow the park according to Park Board officials. “The importance of this project to the City and to the region cannot be overstated, and the roles of all of our elected officials—Senator Voinovich, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH) Schmidt and Congressman Steve Driehaus (D-OH) can never be minimized,” exclaimed Carden.  “As a destination park, Cincinnati Riverfront Park will drive people into the city, from throughout the world including citizens, business people, tourists, new residents and others.” Writer: Randy A. Simes Photography Provided Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy