Mayor looking for extra funding

All that seems to be keeping Ironton from getting the riverfront city hall wants is $57,000.

The only bid to turn Center Street landing into what officials are calling a family-friendly venue came in over the estimated cost of the transformation.

That bid came from Allard Excavating of Wheelersburg that put possible cost for the project close to $1 million.

Now Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship has asked Ironton City Council to give him the chance to find those additional funds. If by the time the ordinance to accept the bid is up for its third reading and the money can’t be found, the project will be redesigned and rebid.

“We will have to revise it to match our allotted money,” Blankenship said.

Right now plans are to build a dock for 33 boats including pilings in the river and a seawall. There will also be a sidewalk at river’s edge, picnic tables and benches and newly paved parking lot.

There is $716,300 from a boating infrastructure grant program that is added to a match that together will cover engineering and construction.

“Ironton was one of 16 communities to receive a grant,” Blankenship said. “We are very fortunate to get this grant. I feel it is a very important step to renovate our riverfront area to be utilized.”