Shown from left are Alderwoman-at-Large Gloria Timmons, Ward 3 Alderwoman Patricia Klee, Ward 4 Alderman Thomas Lopez, Mayor James Donchess, Ward 2 Alderman Richard Dowd and Alderman-at-Large Melbourne Moran during the Oct. 24 groundbreaking ceremony of the Riverfront Improvement Project. Telegraph photo by Christopher Roberson

NASHUA – Mayor James Donchess joined members of the Board of Aldermen and other city officials at the Apartments at Cotton Mill to celebrate the beginning of the Riverfront Improvement Project on Oct. 24.

“We are very excited to see this Riverfront project begin and come to fruition,” said Donchess. “A lot of thought and planning have gone into developing a beautiful and usable new environment for everyone to enjoy. This outdoor space along the river will be transformed into a haven for walkers, families and visitors to Nashua.”

The first phase of the project will be to construct an handicapped-accessible ramp at the Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 and will likely take two years to complete. The first phase is being funded with $300,000 garnered by Congresswoman Annie Kuster D-NH.

“I was proud to secure federal resources for the city of Nashua to help construct a new ramp at the Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge that is ADA-complaint,” said Kuster. “The project will help Nashua remain a wonderful place for everyone to live, work and raise a family.”

Kuster also referred to the Downtown Riverfront Master Plan as an “ambitious proposal.”

“It’s an exciting project and I commend the vision and effort that is necessary to see this effort through to completion,” she said. “This important project is one of the many changes underway that will further energize the Gate City’s historic downtown area.”

Future improvements will include boardwalk installations as well as revitalizing Renaissance and Bicentennial parks.

Part of the Imagine Nashua Master Plan, the total cost of the renovation project ranges from $13.6 million to $19 million. Donchess said those funds will come from the Nashua Riverfront Tax Increment Financing District. According to project documents, the district begins at Temple Street and extends west to Pine Street.

“We have a good financing mechanism to finish the project,” he said. “We’re excited to get started.”

Funding sources for the TIF District include enhancement grants from the state Department of Transportation, new market and historic tax credits as well as rural development grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.