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Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #3237 |
Tampa Riverwalk |
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Requester: |
Mayor Pam Iorio |
Organization: |
City of Tampa |
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Project Title: |
Tampa Riverwalk |
Date Submitted |
1/13/2006 3:29:14 PM |
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Sponsors: |
Sebesta |
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Statewide Interest: |
Similar to other cities, the Tampa Riverwalk will be a recreational asset for the metropolitan area as well as a tourist draw from the rest of the state, nation and international community. This project was identified as a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Tampa in the recent Downtown Visioning Study. The Riverwalk Project has economic, transportation, environmental, arts and cultural, educational, as well as tourist components. This waterfront project will not only provide highly desirable amenities to the citizens in the surrounding area, but will enhance the image of Tampa and the State of Florida for the national and international attention of Superbowl 2009. Near term funding support is needed to meet this important milestone. |
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Recipient: |
City of Tampa |
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Contact: |
Lee Hoffman |
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306 E Jackson Street |
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Contact Phone: |
(813) 274-7439 |
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Tampa 33602 |
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Contact email: |
lee.hoffman@tampagov.net |
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Counties: |
Hillsborough |
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Gov't Entity: |
Yes |
Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): |
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Project Description: |
The Tampa Riverwalk Project is centered in the downtown Tampa area. It consists of a 2.4 mile Riverwalk along the east side of the Hillsborough River from North Boulevard Bridge to the Channelside area on Garrison Channel. The Riverwalk will serve to integrate residential living, economic development, educational and social activities, and the cultural arts district, as well as parks and open space, using one of the City of Tampa's most valuable resources in the downtown area - the waterfront. The city has organized a Riverwalk Working Group internally and has also established a strong community component, Friends of the Riverwalk Inc., which allows community leaders to be involved in planning, implementing and operating the Riverwalk venue. EDAW, a world class architectural firm, is working to transform the vision into a phased Riverwalk Master Plan by Feb 2006. Mayor Iorio will focus on Phase I, which will provide 2.4 miles of continuous Riverwalk. Phase II will be completed by subsequent mayors and will focus on added enhancements to the completed structure. Of the 12,675 feet of planned Riverwalk, 1530 feet is already completed, 500 feet is in place but requires upgrade, 600 feet is under construction, and private developers have committed to build 5020 feet. That leaves 5025 feet (40%) of new construction that is needed. |
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Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? |
No |
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Measurable Outcome Anticipated: |
Opening the river to people will enhance the image of Tampa as a beautiful and unique destination with timeless appeal that will draw people from near and far. As the myriad of residential housing units, planned and currently under construction, bring residents to urban living, the Riverwalk will provide recreational and needed amenities to the downtown core, which is consistent with the concepts of compact growth and urban infill. It will serve as an engine for economic development as more people are drawn to the beauty of the environment that will also serve as a venue for many more events in the downtown area. It will link five waterfront parks and other amenities in the downtown area such as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Downtown library, Tampa Convention Center, new Children's Museum, new History Center, American Victory Ship and the Florida Aquarium. Additionally, it will drive the integration of venues for food, drink, entertainment and shopping. The project will provide transportation options, both private and public, as docks are put in place and water taxis are integrated. The Riverwalk will enhance public safety and transportation by providing an alternative path for pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters and linkages to the streetcar, bus system, and waterways. The city will increase events downtown for local citizens and to draw tourists from nearby communities and other parts of the state and nation. The outcome will be a desired waterfront venue where people from across the land will gather bringing a positive view of Tampa and the State of Florida. As a key project milestone, the 2009 Superbowl provides a significant driver of progress as the city seeks to showcase the best Tampa has to offer and further enhance Florida as a destination of choice. |
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Amount requested from the State for this project this year: |
$5,520,000 |
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Total cost of the project: |
$18,500,000 |
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Request has been made to fund: |
Construction |
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What type of match exists for this project? |
Local, Private |
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Cash Amount |
$1,000,000 |
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Was this project previously funded by the state? |
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No |
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Is future-year funding likely to be requested? |
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No |
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Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request? |
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No |
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Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? |
No |
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Is there a documented need for this project? |
Yes |
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Documentation: |
City of Tampa Strategic Plan; Tampa Downtown Partnership's Downtown Visioning Plan |
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Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)? |
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Yes |
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Hearing Body: |
Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation |
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Hearing Meeting Date: |
12/16/2006 |
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Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida? |
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No |