Lock 27 Riverfront Project

Documents, Plans, Budget Information & Community Questions 

Over the past several weeks, Lawrence County officials have received numerous questions and concerns regarding the Lock 27 Riverfront Project. 

Many of those questions have focused on: 

• What was originally approved for the project 

• Whether the project has changed over time 

• Current site plans 

• Project costs and budgets 

• Utility infrastructure being installed on the site 

• Public access and future use of the property 

In response to these questions, the Lawrence County Commissioners are publishing this page to provide project documents, plans, budget information, meeting materials, and answers to frequently asked questions in one place. 

The purpose of this page is to provide residents with direct access to project information and source documents so they may review the materials for themselves. 

Project Background 

Lock 27 is one of several projects included within the Ohio Appalachian Gateway Tourism Project funded through the Appalachian Community Grant Program. When applying, the project was required to “bring about transformative change and be a catalyst for future development by providing generational investments. 

The project is intended to improve public assets while enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting future community events and tourism-related activities. 

Please find the submission from Ironton-Lawrence County CAO on behalf of the Lawrence County Commissioners to the Ohio Department of Development that includes the project narrative for Lock 27 (page 9 of 35)  

“Proctorville (closest community) – Riverfront improvements involving a public-private partnership between Lawrence County and a private marina operator in order to allow for the development of a full service marina in the upper pool of the Greenup Locks and Dam.”

Project partners include: 

• Governor Mike DeWine 

• Ohio Department of Development 

• Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA) 

• Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization (ILCAO) 

• Lawrence County Commissioners 

• Arcadis (Project Planner)  

• Allard Excavation (Construction Manager at Risk) 

• Various state and federal regulatory agencies 

Project Timeline 

2023 

• Original project concepts developed 

• Public planning discussions conducted 

• Appalachian Community Grant funding application 

• Preliminary renderings and conceptual budgets prepared 

2024-2025 

• Appalachian Community Grant funding awarded 

• Engineering and design work conducted 

• Environmental and regulatory reviews conducted 

• Coordination with state and federal agencies 

• Construction planning and bidding activities 

• Community concerns raised regarding RV-park component of project design 

• Governor’s Office of Appalachia informed that project will have no RV-park component 

2025-2026 

• Final engineering and construction estimates completed 

• Project scope refined to align with available funding 

• Construction activities initiated 

• Additional site plans and change orders developed 

2026 

• Community concerns raised regarding project design 

• Additional project information released publicly 

• Public records requests fulfilled 

• Community information page established 

• Community meeting with project stakeholders being planned 

Original Approved Project Scope 

The original Lock 27 concept included a variety of riverfront improvements including: 

• Boat ramp improvements 

• Public restrooms 

• Shelter facilities 

• Site lighting 

• Parking improvements 

• Dock infrastructure 

• Utility improvements 

• Recreational amenities 

The original concept documents, renderings, and budget estimates are available below. 

Current Site Plan 

The current site plan (6-4-2026) reflects the most recent engineering and construction documents available for the project. 

The current plan includes: 

• Utility infrastructure 

• Dock facilities 

• Riverfront improvements 

• Event support infrastructure 

• Shelter facilities 

• Improved pedestrian access 

• Improved parking areas 

• Landscaping and site amenities 

The current site plan specifically states that the site is intended for recreational boating and related activities and that overnight camping is not permitted. 

What Has Changed? 

One of the most common questions from residents is why the project looks different than what many remember from the original announcement. 

Large public infrastructure projects often evolve during engineering and design because of: 

• Construction cost increases 

• Inflation 

• Environmental requirements 

• Regulatory permitting 

• Site conditions 

• Available funding 

As engineering progressed, project partners evaluated which elements could be completed within available grant funding while maintaining the project's overall goals. 

This process resulted in some modifications, additions, and removals from earlier conceptual plans. Important to note, this has always been a project that seeks a viable private partner to build upon the improvements made through this program.  

 

Budget Information 

Several residents have asked why different budget documents appear to show different project costs. 

The reason is that the Lock 27 project has been constructed using phased Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) agreements. This approach allowed construction activities to begin while portions of the final design were still being completed, helping the project meet state-required construction deadlines. 

As a result, some budget documents represent individual construction phases rather than the final completed project budget. 

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY, NO MONEY HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM THIS PROJECT. 

 

Project administrators have also indicated that a request for additional funding has been submitted to the Ohio Department of Development to allow additional project elements to be incorporated. Until a final decision is made and the final Guaranteed Maximum Price agreement is approved, executed, and incorporated into the project budget, total project budget remains at the original amount. 

  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Lock 27 becoming an RV park? 

No. 

The current site plan states that the property is intended for recreational boating and related activities and that overnight camping is not permitted. The Governor's Office of Appalachia has clearly regarded that there will be no RV-park as a part of this grant funding. 

The Lawrence County Commissioners have been very clear that there are no plans for an RV campground at Lock 27. 

Why are water and electric pedestals being installed? 

The utility infrastructure is intended to support public use of the site. 

Potential uses include: 

• Food trucks 

• Community festivals 

• Concerts 

• Farmers markets 

• Boating events 

• Mobile restroom facilities 

• Other special events 

When reviewing the desires of the community, as well as considering how to make this project "transformational" (as intended by the program), community events that included concerts, vendors, and family events were identified. Accomplishing this will require power and water in various areas of the site.  

The center area of the upper level will now have a vendor area that utilizes (3) three double sided pedestals. This will allow for food trucks or other vendors to access water and electric in an efficient manner. 

Each mobile restroom, when in use, will require water and electric service. The two identified models we look to acquire suggest the need at least one dedicated pedestal (2-3 in total), with capacity to reach 50 amps.  

Because the site is intended to host a variety of public events, the project includes electrical infrastructure capable of supporting entertainment, vendor operations, public gatherings, and other recreational activities. The amount of power required varies significantly depending on the size and type of event, but larger outdoor performances can require substantial dedicated electrical service for sound, lighting, and production equipment. Estimates would require anywhere from (3) three to (8) eight. 

Providing utility infrastructure during construction is significantly more cost-effective than adding it later. Currently, there are no utilities at the site. 

Why is there a sanitary holding tank on the site? 

The project has always included sanitary infrastructure necessary to have an active boating marina. Project planners considered sanitary infrastructure an investment in the site's long-term sustainability. Without it, we are less competitive against full-service marinas, it limits slip-rental pricing power, it weakens fuel and retail sales opportunities, it limits future expansion into transient dockage, it creates a future retrofit problem, and it limits what the marina can become long-term. The inclusion of these improvements was intended to avoid limiting future opportunities; however, no specific future use, service, partnership, or operational model is guaranteed by the project.

Why does the site look different than earlier concepts? 

The plans presented during the early stages of the project were conceptual in nature. 

As engineering and construction estimates have been completed, the project has been refined to align with available funding, permitting requirements, and site conditions.

Were permits and agency approvals required? 

Yes. 

The project required coordination with numerous agencies, including state and federal entities responsible for environmental review, permitting, and river-related improvements.

Will there be a place to dock boats? 

Yes. The river wall will be improved to allow for docking of boats. 

Has public input been received? 

Yes. 

Public engagement occurred during the planning and grant application process through stakeholder meetings, community discussions, project development sessions, and coordination with local officials. Project materials, renderings, and concepts were discussed as part of the broader Ohio Appalachian Gateway Tourism Project before funding was awarded. 

Following the award of funding, project partners have continued to receive questions, comments, and feedback from residents throughout the design and construction process. Representatives of ILCAO, project consultants, Lawrence County officials, and elected township representatives have all participated in discussions regarding the project and its development.  

Rome Township Trustees, local community organizations, and residents have communicated with project stakeholders on numerous occasions since the project was announced. Meetings were held with community representatives, including discussions involving HomeTown Love – Rome and Rome Township Trustees during the planning and development of the project. In addition, Bob Mayo and Mark Bailey – Rome Township Trustees, have maintained ongoing communication with Lawrence County officials regarding project progress and community concerns. Specifically, they have met with Commissioner Finley on site numerous times. 

It is important to note that the Lock 27 project is being funded through the Ohio Appalachian Gateway Tourism Initiative and Appalachian Community Grant Program. No local tax increase or additional local funding was requested to undertake this project. The property remains under the control of the Lawrence County Commissioners, who are responsible for managing county-owned assets and ensuring public investments are maintained in a manner that serves residents throughout Lawrence County. 

As part of that responsibility, project stakeholders have sought to balance recreational access, community use, long-term sustainability, and the transformational goals identified within the original grant application. Project decisions have been guided by engineering requirements, available funding, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and long-term operational considerations.

Why is the boat launch itself not being replaced? 

During project planning, the existing boat launch was evaluated as part of the overall site assessment. While portions of the launch show deterioration and require repair, the launch remains functional and continues to provide river access. At present, two of the three launch lanes remain available for use. 

As project costs, engineering requirements, and available funding were evaluated, project stakeholders determined that a full replacement of the existing launch was not the best use of funds. Instead, available funding was prioritized toward other site improvements, including accessibility improvements, utilities, parking, pedestrian access, event-support infrastructure, and other public amenities. 

The Commissioners recognize that portions of the launch will require future maintenance or repair and will continue to evaluate options for addressing those needs outside of the current Appalachian Community Grant Program project.

Will there be a firepit, benches, shelters, and other amenities? 

Yes. 

Why isn't more happening on the lower-level river dock?

Many residents have asked why additional improvements are not being made on the lower riverfront level near the boat launch and dock area. 

Before speaking to the restrictions, the changes to the lower section include concrete capping of the river wall, and a raised area in the center section. These improvements will allow for boats to dock at Lock 27.  

The lower portion of the site presents unique engineering, environmental, and permitting challenges because it is regularly impacted by Ohio River flooding and is located within an area subject to state and federal regulatory review. Improvements in these areas generally require additional permitting, environmental review, and coordination with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Project engineers evaluated a variety of potential improvements during the design process. However, the project was designed to remain within approved 1-acre disturbance limits and permitting requirements. Our office asked for an exemption to the 1-acre disturbance but were denied. While there are permits that allow for greater disturbance, the timeline of the grant program prevented us from pursuing those options.  

The lower riverfront area remains an important part of the project and will continue to provide river access and support recreational boating activities. To be clear, there will be the ability for boats of all sizes to dock along the river wall due to the funding from this program.  

 

Has the US Army Corps of Engineers been made aware of these plans? 

Yes. 

The Lock 27 site is a former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock & dam facility. Due to the site's location along the Ohio River and the nature of the proposed improvements, coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was required throughout the planning, design, and permitting process. 

Project representatives have indicated that the Corps reviewed the proposed improvements and issued the necessary authorization for the project to proceed. The review process involved extensive coordination over an extended period and was conducted in conjunction with other applicable state and federal regulatory reviews. 

In addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project required coordination with agencies responsible for environmental review, historic preservation, and regulatory compliance. These reviews are intended to ensure that improvements are consistent with applicable requirements and appropriately consider environmental, navigational, and site-specific factors. 

As discussed during the June 4, 2026 public meeting, project representatives stated that all required permits and regulatory approvals had been obtained prior to construction activities moving forward. 

Residents are encouraged to review the project documents, permitting materials, and meeting recordings available on this page for additional information regarding the review and approval process. 

Have marine or structural engineers reviewed these plans? 

Yes. 

Why is there so much of the money being spent on site infrastructure? 

This project has always meant to be a public-private partnership where the county installs the infrastructure to allow for viability of a private partner operating a marina. 

Why are you putting in another road down to the lower section? 

The additional road down to the lower level was added on request of Rome Township Trustees Bob Mayo and Mark Bailey. 

When will the project be done? 

The project must be completed by October 31. 

Will there be sanitary sewer on site? 

No. 

Are any Lock 27 funds being redirected to other projects? 

No.

Bi-Weekly Progress Meeting with Judge Donald Capper  

During the 6/4/26 bi-weekly progress meeting, Commissioner DeAnna Holliday invited Judge Donald Capper to attend and ask questions on behalf of the community. Concerns were raised regarding: 

• Project transparency 

• Community involvement 

• Utility infrastructure 

• Preservation of the site's historic character 

• Flooding and sediment concerns 

• Boat ramp preservation 

• Retaining wall conditions 

Project engineers and administrators provided responses regarding permitting, engineering reviews, infrastructure design, and project compliance requirements.

Public Records Requests  

The following materials have previously been released through public records requests and are available for review.