PUEBLO-The City of Pueblo received notice of award from the Department of Local Affairs for a $1,000,000 grant to assist with the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) Channel Extension and Boathouse Project. Pueblo City Council approved an ordinance to accept the grant and to appropriate the funds to move forward with the project on Monday, April 8.

"The City of Pueblo is grateful to DOLA for the $1 million award to help move the HARP project forward as we look to complete the fourth phase of the project," said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham. "The Riverwalk is an iconic piece of Pueblo that brings our residents and visitors to our downtown area. We are looking forward to expanding this project and for the community impact we will see with its completion."

The HARP boathouse construction is one of the main updates of the fourth phase expansion of the Riverwalk. During construction additional channel distribution will occur which will extend existing Arkansas River channel eastward to Santa Fe Drive. The addition includes paving, landscaping, electrical and lighting which will all complement the construction of the new boathouse.

The finalized boathouse will include space for equipment and boats, HARP office space and a rooftop space made available for public gatherings. The rooftop deck space will provide opportunities for both public and private events with a view of downtown Pueblo.

"The HARP 1A Expansion Project will further strengthen the connection between the Riverwalk, the Convention Center, and the downtown Pueblo area," said Executive Director of HARP Lynn Clark. "The Riverwalk is the jewel of downtown Pueblo, serving as an anchor for economic development and revitalization. The new building and channel extension will serve as a centerpiece for the community and its beauty and entertainment possibilities are unique in Colorado."

The $1,000,000 DOLA grant requires and match of $1,000,000 from the City of Pueblo to complete the HARP Channel Extension and Boathouse Project. This additional $1 million in funding awarded from DOLA allows the City to move forward with the project with an additional $9,000,000 accepted in Pueblo County Government funding through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) from Ballot Initiative 1A funding, which was also approved Monday, April 8 by Pueblo City Council.

Funding was also secured from the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) half cent sales tax fund and from Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA). A total of 15,974,481.73 in funding was secured to complete the HARP Channel Extension and Boathouse Project.

Construction for the HARP Channel Extension and Boathouse Project is expected to begin soon and be completed within 24 months after the start. The Riverwalk's location is seen as an anchor institution with both public and private investment which has revitalized downtown Pueblo. For more information about the phase four construction of HARP with the HARP Extension and Boathouse Project visit www.puebloriverwalk.org.