River Vision Plan Reveal

Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan Unveiled for Evansville Region Riverfronts

Evansville, Ind. Region (May 21, 2024) – Today, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP), regional stakeholders and Sasaki unveiled proposed developments for the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan at a community event and open house. Covering 50 miles and driven by the comments of thousands of regional residents, these plans embody a collective vision for vibrant, inclusive, and thriving riverfronts, designed to attract residents, businesses, and visitors to the Evansville region.

“Regional residents have expressed their desire for a stronger connection to the river for almost a century—since Evansville’s first master plan in 1928,” said Lloyd Winnecke, CEO of E-REP.   “Today, we celebrate the beginning of a transformative journey toward more vibrant and connected riverfronts across our region.”

Today’s kick-off unveiling spotlighted Downtown Evansville’s riverfront, in addition to plans for Downtown Mount Vernon and Newburgh, too. Moreover, the Plan underscores the importance of regional collaboration for the enhancement of the Evansville Region’s riverfront. It outlines a prioritization schedule for implementing projects, programs, policies, and partnerships crucial to bring the plan to life. Additionally, the Plan encompasses community outreach findings and resident feedback, financial modeling, proposed funding sources to build out the Plan’s vision, a parking supply and demand study, guidance on traffic and transportation needs, and hydrological information for effective flood management along the Ohio River.

Anna Cawrse, Principal Landscape Architect at Sasaki., shared, “Working on the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plans has been a privilege. Our team has diligently merged innovative design concepts with sustainable practices, crafting a blueprint for a riverfront that honors Evansville’s heritage while embracing its future.”

The Plan was funded by the State of Indiana’s READI grant program, focused on increasing activation and investment in Indiana’s communities, economy, and exceptional quality of place resources, like the Ohio River. More information about READI can be found at indianareadi.com.

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