Howdy, the Ohio River region in western Kentucky and southern Indiana is continuing the change in what you currently see and what is coming.
In Evansville, In, the Port of Evansville is for sale at $5.7 million dollars. It is near the bend of the river right at our main site for the river front. We have a bike path around the river front area infront of all of the buildings and adding soon the last phase. It is widely used. ANYWAY, the port is on about 17 acres or a tad less with CSX suppose to be leaving the grounds. It is right on the river front two owners down from the Casino Aztar river boat. The city has thought different uses for it. I have only asked for a small parcel to add a marina. The city may add another marina, possibly a harbor, or other development. It is industrial area. So, don't know. This was the original space some wanted to place the LST-325. In the end, only guessing, is where some type of marina really does need to be built, but no parking. No parking. Near a busy thoroughfare that goes to a busier street. UGH.
The LST-325 got here in October of 2005 and just received 50,000 visitors in our city. It travels to other places once a year to help folks remember WWII and connect with those folks and/or cities that helped build ships, planes, ammunition and such for WWII. It is, as some of us felt, serves an educational tool to kids and folks about our country's history. I think now the folks are surprised how many school kids they can attract for lessons....can't teach them here, but they find out elsewhere thing. The trip to Peoria, IL, was a success as along the river before getting to Alton, IL, they already had 37,000 folks visit the LST-325. The water got too high to travel to Henry, IL, and they couldn't go under certain bridges. They have quickly found out, that some of us advising directly or indirectly to travel to other places is paying off for them. They already thought about travelling to other places and now see the benefit. If it wasn't for their many volunteers, that LST-325 would be in a bind. It is the volunteers that keep it going. In time they will find more ways to interact with our regional folks. They have added re-enactments for WWII special battles and that is helpful. They are learning and adjusting and added folks to watch on the top deck for fireworks this year. It evidently has been a process for them, I don't know and haven't gotten involved with them. I only know what I see. The volunteers have kept this part of American history alive.
Owensboro, Kentucky, is wanting to expand condos/lofts/ whatever along their river front and hope that someone steps up to the plate. Evansville, Indiana is adding some more very large houses along the river front by the LST-325. The area in Tell City, Indiana should blossom once the work starts on the new Harbor they are building. SO more lofts and condos may help inside their city versus being along the river. Henderson, Ky, now has a new funky bar by the boat ramp that reminds one of the Jimmy Buffet style. It is cute and smartly done for a small amount of money.
All in all, our Ohio River region from western Kentucky and southern Indiana is shaping up quite nicely. Within two years you will see a different river region. It is exciting. I'm glad to be a part of it in some ways, and glad to see it all take shape. True, we're two years behind, but this year, it is past and around the Evansville, In, politics and it is forward. There are some neat things happening that folks will have true pride in this river region. Lots of us have been cheerleading, pushing, and striving. It will happen and even better than we planned. Just have to keep in there. Things are starting to take shape. Mary
