Where the sidewalk ends

~The grant fund begins

NEW MADRID -- The levee at New Madrid, overlooking the wide bend of the Mississippi River, is a popular spot for locals and visitors.

The completion of a new boat ramp, parking area, sidewalks and park improvements just over two years ago were welcomed improvements but were limited to just one area of the riverfront. Now, two grants awarded to the city of New Madrid, will expand the riverfront walk.

Work on the project, expected to cost around $858,351.60, should begin this spring. Contractors have assured city officials it will be completed within the year.

According to New Madrid Mayor Donnie Brown, a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will split the costs of the project which will extend the walkway and lighting from the Riverfront Park to the observation deck. Brown added resurfacing of the levee road is also part of the project.

Originally designed by the Corps as one project, the now completed portion was fully funded by the Corps as levee improvements. The second portion, designated as recreational in nature, did not receive funding, explained New Madrid City Administrator John Gilbert.

The work scheduled to get under way soon is actually the first phase of the second portion of the project. By splitting the project, Gilbert said, the city was able to receive the MoDOT Enhancement Grant of $429,175.80 which was awarded last fall. This 50/50 grant was matched by the Corps' funding.

The Corps funding includes the preliminary and final engineering plans, utility relocation costs and adjustments, acquisition of right-of-way, the construction of all improvements on Commission right of way and construction inspection.

Lambert Engineering and Surveying was hired for engineering services associated with the Riverfront Improvement Project. The engineering fees are also funded through the grant monies.

The extension of the sidewalk and lighting should draw more people to the community, said Gilbert.

"Our riverfront is one of the nicest along the river," he observed. "At a Department of Economic Development work session, they said small communities like ours must come up with things they could build upon - the days of big industries coming into a community are gone. We are trying to build our tourism around the river."

Eventually, city officials said, they hope to receive funding to complete the entire project. This would include a parking area across from the New Madrid Historical Museum, crosswalks, public restroom and seating.

NEW MADRID --The city of New Madrid recently approved a set of regulations governing the Riverfront Park, boat ramp, parking lot and adjacent areas.

Approved in March, the rules soon will be posted on a sign along the riverfront, said city administrator John Gilbert.

The new rules ban the consumption of alcohol in the parking area, staging area, ramp, stairway adjoining the ramp and within 25-feet of the ramp or stairway, except as provided by law.

Parking on the staging area and boat ramp is prohibited. All vehicles launching or loading boats or other vessels are required to clear the ramp immediately after launching or loading.

Fishing from the ramp or swimming or wading on the ramp or within 10 feet of the ramp is prohibited. All vehicles are required to park in the designated parking area.

Violators can be subjected to a fine not to exceed $500 for each offense.