Q: Where did this idea come from?

A: The idea bubbled up during Vision 2015's extensive community visioning process, which involved more than 2,000 Northern Kentucky residents from all communities and all walks of life.

Q: Who is involved in making it happen?

Under the sponsorship of Vision 2015, two consultants are designing Phase One of the greenway, from the mouth of the Ohio River to the I-275 Bridge.

A steering committee representing Covington, Newport, Taylor Mill, Wilder, Kenton County, Campbell County, Sanitation District No. 1, the Northern Kentucky Water District, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and Southbank Partners is working with the consultants. Other citizens on the steering committee bring special expertise, such as hydrology and aquatic biology.

Q: What will happen after the design is finished?

A: A partnership of jurisdictions coordinated by Vision 2015 and Southbank Partners will oversee development of the greenway alongside development of the Ohio Riverfront Commons.

Q: When will work start?

A: As soon as possible. Vision 2015 and Southbank Partners believe that many sections of the two projects can be developed immediately because they will be less difficult and less expensive than other sections.

Q: Where will the money come from?

A: There are many potential sources of funding. Congress provides funds for the U.S. Corps of Engineers to repair unstable riverbanks – which is difficult, expensive work. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a program of funding alternatives to road and highway traffic. The greenway’s trail systems would qualify for this funding. Kentucky has programs of funding trails and other attractions that would attract tourism. Private foundations and environmental organizations often fund greenway projects that help protect rivers and water quality. And then there is Northern Kentucky – which has opportunities for tax support if a majority of citizens agree to it.

Q: Will the greenway take land away from homes or businesses?

A: No. The greenway is being designed to work with its surroundings. As private property in the greenway becomes available for purchase, that, of course will be an opportunity for greenway developers. In some cases, property owners will be asked to sell or donate easements (rights of way) for trails to cross their land. Vision 2015 and Southbank Partners are already in discussions with property owners to answer questions and assure that their rights are respected. In fact, many studies have shown that properties close to new parks development often benefit from an increase in value.

Q: Can neighborhood parks be tied into the greenway?

A: Absolutely. In fact, the design consultants already have pointed out several opportunities for outstanding small parks along the greenway. Think of the greenway as a potential necklace of parks connected by the greenway.

Q: What about big industrial sites by the river like IPSCO Tubular (previously Newport Steel) in Wilder or the Marathon tank farm in Covington?

A: All over the U.S., trails and greenways exist side-by-side with industry, airports, rail yards and superhighways. The design consultants see a few tricky spots but believe a continuous system of interwoven trails can be accomplished along the greenway.

Q: Who could use the trails?

A: Anybody on foot or a bicycle. Motorized vehicles are not envisioned – except that provisions can be made for electric scooters and wheelchairs used by people with handicaps.

Q: What about safety for people using the trails and for people who live next to the trails?

A: The law enforcement experts we’ve talked to believe trails would make the riverfront safer for its neighbors and for people who want to enjoy the river. Police bicycle patrols could use the trail not just for safety along the trail but also for moving quickly through neighborhoods and for reaching vantage points from which suspicious activity can be observed. This has been the experience with urban trails in other cities.

Q: This project sounds more expensive than a standard park with ball fields and picnic grounds. Why do you think it's a good investment for the taxpayers?

A: We think the Licking River Greenway will pay for itself through the private investment it will encourage along its route – just as significant investment is occurring along greenway's sister project, Ohio Riverfront Commons. Large and small companies now consider "quality of life" to be one of the most important factors in deciding to locate in an area. Increasingly they choose to move to communities with a healthy, vibrant image and a dedication to parks and greenways development. Sites like some industrial areas along the greenway are ripe for redevelopment into green, high quality business parks which could provide jobs. As more homeowners, attracted by the greenway, move into the area they would add to and restore properties and invest in the local economy. The greenway would attract visitors who spend money. The Licking River Greenway will provide recreation opportunities for people from outside the community which they might otherwise have to travel farther to enjoy. Avid bicyclists often drive 50-100 miles for opportunities to take interesting rides. Such "active tourism," as it’s often called, is a fast-growing part of the tourism business and cities across the country are developing and promoting their natural resources in ways which attract visitors.

Q: I have questions that aren’t answered here. How do I get answers?

A: If you have additional questions please make sure to contact us.