The City of Astoria is pleased to announce that its submission to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (ORPD) Local Government Grant program for enhancements along the Riverwalk has been selected as one of seven funded projects, out of 27 total submitted across the State of Oregon. The City will receive $428,408 in grant funds for multiple improvements along the Riverwalk between Portway and 17th Streets.
The grant application, a collaboration between the Community Development and Parks Departments, the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, and the Astoria Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, was submitted in March 2020. Due to COVID-19’s impacts on lottery revenue, the source of grant resources, applications weren’t reviewed until September 2020 and final selection by OPRD’s grant commission was carried out on February 25, 2021.
Focusing on the Riverwalk between Uniontown and the historic downtown area, the project will add lighting along the path, replace and install new interpretive and wayfinding signs to better locate nearby amenities and offer information about the site’s history and natural environment, provide ADA accessibility improvements in the form of buffer strips installed along trolley tracks, and construct a Portland Loo-type restroom at People’s Park. The total project cost is estimated at $717,435 and will require $288,937 (40%) in match from the City. Matching funds are anticipated to come from the Astor East and Astor West Urban Renewal District funds and the Promote Astoria fund. Parks and Community Development staff will determine the project’s schedule as grant award documents are received and reviewed and contractors are selected.
Project updates and timelines will be posted at astoriaparks.com
