The city of Huntington, West Virginia, has announced the successful sale of bonds that will provide $11 million in funding for a range of improvement projects in the downtown area, Kinetic Park, and the city's arena. This strategic investment aims to revitalize the city's core, enhance public spaces, and modernize key infrastructure, setting the stage for continued growth and development.

Unlocking Huntington's Potential: A Transformative Investment

Revitalizing Downtown Huntington

The city has secured $5 million in funding through the sale of tax increment revenue bonds to support public improvement projects within the downtown Huntington business district. These projects will focus on upgrading roadways, stormwater systems, sidewalks, public spaces, landscaping, utilities, lighting, parking areas, and buildings that serve a public purpose. By investing in these critical infrastructure elements, the city aims to create a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, and economically thriving downtown area.The comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city but also improve accessibility, connectivity, and the overall user experience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This strategic investment is expected to catalyze further private investment and spur economic growth, positioning Huntington as a more attractive destination for commerce, tourism, and community engagement.

Enhancing Kinetic Park

Alongside the downtown revitalization efforts, the city has also secured $5.25 million in funding through the sale of tax increment revenue bonds to support improvements at Kinetic Park. This multi-purpose development, which serves as a hub for recreation, entertainment, and economic activity, will undergo a series of upgrades and enhancements.The planned improvements at Kinetic Park include work on roadways, stormwater systems, sidewalks, public spaces, landscaping, utilities, lighting, parking areas, and buildings that contribute to the park's public purpose. By investing in these infrastructure elements, the city aims to create a more cohesive, accessible, and visually appealing environment that can better serve the needs of the community and attract more visitors to the area.The revitalization of Kinetic Park is expected to complement the downtown redevelopment efforts, fostering a more integrated and vibrant urban landscape that can drive economic growth, promote community engagement, and enhance the overall quality of life for Huntington's residents.

Modernizing the Marshall Health Network Arena

In addition to the downtown and Kinetic Park projects, the city has also allocated $6 million from issued lease revenue refunding bonds to fund improvements to the Marshall Health Network Arena. These upgrades will include a complete roof replacement, ventilation system upgrades, and structural rigging improvements.By investing in the arena's infrastructure, the city aims to ensure the facility remains a modern, well-functioning, and attractive venue for a wide range of events, from sports and entertainment to community gatherings and cultural performances. The arena's upgrades are expected to enhance the user experience, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to the overall revitalization of Huntington's public spaces.The successful sale of the lease revenue bonds, which received an "A" rating with a "stable" outlook from Standard & Poor's Global Ratings, underscores the city's financial stability and the confidence investors have in Huntington's long-term growth and development.

Unlocking Huntington's Potential: A Transformative Investment

The city of Huntington's strategic investment of $11 million in downtown revitalization, Kinetic Park enhancements, and Marshall Health Network Arena upgrades represents a significant step forward in the city's ongoing efforts to create a more vibrant, livable, and economically prosperous community. By leveraging innovative financing tools like tax increment revenue bonds and lease revenue refunding bonds, Huntington is positioning itself to attract further private investment, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.This transformative investment will not only improve the physical infrastructure of the city but also serve as a catalyst for broader community development, fostering a more connected, accessible, and visually appealing urban landscape. As Huntington continues to evolve, this strategic investment will play a crucial role in unlocking the city's full potential, positioning it as a thriving destination for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.