Despite the bitter cold, a lot of smiles were evident in Kankakee Wednesday while city leaders and friends turned over shovels of dirt to get the Kankakee East Riverwalk project started.  A groundbreaking event featured several  people who've promoted the project as a huge step toward the future of the city.  The much-anticipated project at the intersection of East River Street and South Schuyler Avenue has been in motion since 2017.

The $5-million project has been supported by a reported $2-million in local/area support and federal grant funding. The riverwalk will be developed in eight phases stretching from the ground-breaking site west, stretching some four miles to near the Riverside Medical Center area. It's expected to showcase and rekindle what many believe is a natural nature area to make Kankakee be noticed. 

Mayor Chris Curtis said "it's a multi-year project, maybe 25-30 years."  But it had to start now with a major thrust to beautify the Kankakee River neighborhood.

Funding for the construction project has included state and federal grants, local tourism funds, tax-incremental income, and many private donations.

94.1 WGFA