New ramp to open on Ohio River in Paducah, Ky.

PADUCAH, Ky.-The public is invited to the ribbon cutting celebration for the City of Paducah Ohio River Boat Launch. The ribbon cutting will be Tuesday, December 10 at 1 p.m. at the new boat launch located at 6th and Burnett Streets.

Local Professional fisherman Troy Hollowell says, “Paducah is a wonderful location to build such an outstanding facility. The Ohio River is a great fishery and this boat launch is the perfect location for tournaments.”

Mayor Gayle Kaler says, “This facility is not just for boaters. It is a beautiful area that provides views of the downtown riverfront and of the Brookport Bridge.” Mayor Kaler adds, “With this wide, new ramp and a great parking area, Paducah will become a destination of choice for fishing tournaments.”

Hollowell says, “I’m proud to call Paducah my home. This new facility shows the city’s commitment to enhancing the outdoor experience here. Our local community’s citizens will benefit from using this facility for sure. I’m certain it will be a tourist attraction for people who are visiting Paducah, as well as having a positive economic impact by attracting fishermen and tournaments to be held at the new facility.”

City Manager Jeff Pederson says, “This project is part of a program to create a closer relationship between Paducah and the Ohio River, something that adds to the distinction of Paducah as a river city.”

Construction of the boat launch began in May. The project includes an 82-space parking/trailering lot at 6th and Burnett just downstream of the Paducah Expo Center. The boat launch is a five- to six-lane boat ramp with an 8 by 80 foot gangway/courtesy dock. To enhance access to the boat launch, road improvements were made to Burnett Street from North 8th Street to North 6th Street including a paved access road over the floodwall.

City Engineer-Public Works Department Director Rick Murphy says, “I am delighted that the project proceeded smoothly which is a credit to the builder, Jim Smith Contracting Company.”

A $2.254 million Federal Highway Administration ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) Grant was used to fund nearly 90 percent of the construction of the boat launch project with the balance appropriated from City of Paducah budget funds.