Waco council discusses features for next phase of multimillion-dollar Riverwalk project
City staff recommends staying within $26 million budget while considering future additions
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Waco City Council members discussed Tuesday which features will be included in the next phase of the multimillion-dollar Riverwalk project as planners work to connect more of downtown to the riverfront.
The Riverwalk project will stretch from Webster Avenue to Baylor Law School. The city focused on reworking the project to stay within a $26 million budget.
City staff suggests keeping certain additions like the Cove Bridge, a fountain, a water wall and landscaping upgrades. However, planners discussed a larger feature — the Webster Overlook.
The overlook would be a scenic platform where people can enjoy river views. But it costs $3 million, which would make the project go over budget.
Mayor Jim Holmes said he’s comfortable with staying within the $26 million budget for now but will consider the additional $3 million. He said planners can do some partial engineering.
This will leave room to add the overlook in future phases if the city eventually gets the funding.
“We got to be conscious of these budgets of two and three million here, one, two, five and 6 million there. It all starts adding up, right? I like the way staff has kind of gone through and picked out the parts that will accentuate what we’re doing with the bridge lighting and visible from I-35,” Holmes said.
Planners said construction could start next year and be finished by 2027.
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