Memphis completes $6M river access project to boost tourism
What happened
Memphis and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a ribbon cutting for the Greenbelt Landing boat ramp on October 28, 2026, to expand access to the Mississippi River. The $6 million project, funded equally by the City of Memphis and the federal government, included repairs to the existing ramp, construction of a new upstream ramp, and installation of mooring features for cruise ships. Congressman Steve Cohen attended the event, alongside Mayor Paul Young.
From fox13memphis.com
Why it matters
The infrastructure upgrade is intended to increase tourism in Memphis, as the new ramp allows more cruise liners, such as those from Viking, to use the area. Mayor Paul Young stated that the project is expected to lead to more job opportunities and increased patronage for local small businesses, restaurants, and retailers.
From fox13memphis.com
Who's involved
- Paul YoungMayor of Memphis who spoke about the project's economic benefits
- MemphisThe city where the river access infrastructure was upgraded
- Mississippi RiverThe major river identified as a key economic driver for Memphis
- Steve CohenCongressman who attended the ribbon cutting event in Memphis
- VikingCruise liner company that may use the enhanced ramp access
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MemphisSpeculative
Memphis might see an increase in revenue from tourism and local commerce due to the new river access.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- New Memphis ramp could boost Viking's Mississippi River tourismViking may benefit from expanded cruise liner access on the Mississippi River.Possible
- New Memphis ramp could boost American Cruise Lines' river tourismIncreased access to the Mississippi River may boost American Cruise Lines' operations.Possible
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The entities involved
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Paul Young
college soccer player (1990–1992), Syracuse
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Memphis
city in and county seat of Hall County, Texas, United States
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Mississippi River
primary river of the largest drainage basin in the United States
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Steve Cohen
researcher (ORCID 0000-0002-9471-4586)
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