Hannibal Riverfront Plans Top $5 Million

Should Hannibal keep or eliminate its riverfront marina?  That question shapes the major difference between two riverfront renovation plans revealed Wednesday.

City officials and engineering reps fielded questions and comments from the public at an open house held at Homebank Community Room.

The two proposals carry a total price tag of $5.4 to $6.3 million. Parks and Rec Director Andy Dorian says the plan known as “Concept A”  totals $5.4 million without the slips. That plan would see the shore extended by filling in the current marina space. The boat ramp would be moved south of the existing location. “Concept B” retains the marina but removes the covered dock at an estimated cost of $6.3 million. Dorian says the extra million involves constructing a double sheet metal wall where the rock wall now exists.  Other expenses factoring into Plan B are dredging the harbor and dock maintenance.

Both plans initially provide for a new floating dock for excursion ships, with a second dock in the future.

How will the project be financed?  The plans tap into a number of sources, including new revenue from the use tax that was approved last year.  Dorian believes the project can be completed without new tax increases or cuts in city services.  A major portion of the revenue will come from Parks and Recreation. Dorian says a number of major projects in his department have now been completed, allowing for Parks and Rec capital monies to be invested in the riverfront.

There is still time to comment and review the plans if you missed the open house.  The plans will be displayed in City Hall for the next couple of weeks along with a comment box .Dorian says folks are also welcome to stop by the Parks and Recreation Department if they have questions.

Once public comments are reviewed, the Park Board will convene and make recommendations.  Once a plan is approved, the issue will go before the Hannibal City Council.  If the council gives the green light, the permitting process begins.  Construction could begin by the fall of 2017.  The project could be completed in about 2 years.