Benefits: Proponents say riverwalks attract restaurants, nightclubs and other businesses, and, if done well, help spark downtown revivals.

Proposed length: About 2 miles. Of this, two finished but unconnected segments 1,200 feet long exist along Garrison Channel.

Cost: Existing segments cost $7.5 million to $12 million. Future segments could cost $18 million.

Funding: Combination of private and public financing; the latter could include federal grants.

Status: The city will award an outside firm a contract by Jan. 1 for a riverwalk master plan; $1 million has been earmarked for it. No construction budget has been approved.

Completion: Mayor Pam Iorio wants a mile-long segment linking the Tampa Convention Center and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center finished by 2010.

Source: City of Tampa; Tribune research by ANGIE DROBNIC HOLAN