Mount Vernon, WA, to Begin Construction on Downtown Revitalization Project Featuring Pedestrian Riverwalk, River Park Plaza and Permanent Floodwall, Thanks to State Funding

    MOUNT VERNON, WA, May 09, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Construction begins this summer in Downtown Mount Vernon, Washington, on a 24-foot wide pedestrian riverwalk, a 30,000 square foot River Park Plaza and a permanent floodwall, thanks to the City receiving $1,500,000 from the State Building Construction Account and $351,000 from the Department of Ecology Statewide Stormwater Grant Program.

"We are now closer than ever to actually completing this much needed flood control project that will help save property and revitalize our historic downtown area," Mayor Jill Boudreau said. "These funds will be used to help finance the $12.9 million dollar second phase of the Downtown Mount Vernon Flood Protection and Revitalization Project."

Mayor Boudreau said she wanted to "especially thank Governor Chris Gregoire, our local legislators and especially Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Chair of the Senate Transportation Commission, for all the hard work to secure this much needed funding."

Mount Vernon is Skagit County's technology, law, banking, government and cultural center. The city is located on the shores of the Skagit River, halfway between Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, Canada, on the Interstate 5 corridor.

Construction Starts Summer 2012
Construction will begin the Summer of 2012 and include 1,650 linear feet of floodwall, 1,650 linear feet of a 24-foot wide riverwalk an trail connection to the regional trail system and a 30,000 square foot Public Riverfront Park. This phase will protect the lowest segment in the existing levee system and essentially eliminate the need for massive flood fight efforts every 3-5 years in Mount Vernon's historic downtown while providing the public with a revitalized riverfront.

The first phase was completed in October 2010 and includes 1,300 linear feet of floodwall and river trail from the Division Street Bridge north to Lions Park. The second phase includes the area from the Division Street Bridge and to just south of Kincaid Street.

The project is part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan for Mount Vernon's historic downtown area that is being used to guide public and private investments over the next 20 years.

The Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan is designed to build on and enhance existing retail activity along First Street, and create a vibrant, attractive, and safe waterfront and downtown, with enhanced public access to the shoreline and river, new and improved public amenities, and mixed-use redevelopment that will generate new jobs and create housing that preserves the character of downtown Mount Vernon.

The Plan encourages a mixture of land uses, including public open space, shoreline recreational, cultural, and institutional uses integrated with revenue producing uses that may include office, retail, restaurant, hotel, entertainment, and residential uses. It accommodates an overall increase in residential density to provide a greater level of around-the-clock activity, support existing businesses, and improve the general economic vitality of downtown.

The Plan also provides sufficient and conveniently located parking without compromising the overall pedestrian-friendly environment, while preserving and building upon the existing historic character of downtown.

The City of Mount Vernon will receive $1,500,000 from the State Building Construction Account as set forth in Engrossed Senate Bill 5127 and $351,000 from the Department of Ecology Statewide Stormwater Grant Program as set forth in ESB 6074, 62nd Legislature, 2012 2nd Special Session.

For further information on the project, please visit:

http://www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us/downtown_and_waterfront_area_master_plan

For further information, contact:
Eric Stendal
City of Mount Vernon
[email protected]
(360) 336-6211

About Mount Vernon, Washington
Nestled between the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound to the West and the Cascade Mountains with the scenic Cascade Loop drive to the East, and only 60 miles from Seattle or 90 miles from Vancouver, B.C., Mount Vernon is the gateway to Skagit County.

Mount Vernon is Skagit County's technology, law, banking, government and cultural center. Our beautiful city is located on the shores of the Skagit River, and the foothills of the North Cascades, just minutes from Puget Sound, with easy access off Interstate-5.

Mount Vernon offers a vibrant mix of office and retail opportunities, and all of the amenities that make for a pleasant urban center, with the added bonus of high-speed, state of the art fiber optic technology to keep you moving at the speed of life. It is a great destination for shopping, dining, recreation, and business.

Details at http://www.getagreatlifeinmountvernon.com/

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