A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the Owego Riverwalk Monday.

Owego Mayor Ed Arrington hosted the ceremony.

“This is the greatest day in my term as mayor,” he told WEBO.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey was also on hand.

“This project is something that I’ve been excited about since the beginning,” he said. “I know that a lot of people are going to happily enjoy the ability now to walk casually along this river.”

Hinchey secured almost $2 million in federal funds to help pay for the project to construct a 1,200-foot walkway along the Susquehanna and stabilize the riverbank.

Congressman Hinchey touted the Riverwalk’s economic boost.

One of the biggest concerns with the project was how the walkway would hold up under water, which happened for the first time two weeks ago. Mayor Arrington says the Riverwalk passed its first test with flying colors.

The Owego Riverwalk is now open to all members of the community.