Five projects funded to improve sidewalks, complete trail, install drains
FRANKFORT, KY (May 18, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear today announced more than $4.8 million in transportation funding to improve non-motorized transportation and improve sidewalks, bike trails and more in five Kentucky counties.
“These projects allow people to get around without driving and enjoy Kentucky’s beautiful outdoors whether they are walking or biking,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank the local leaders working on these projects. Your partnership is helping us build a better Kentucky for all of our communities.”
Funding will be awarded for the following projects:
Scott County – $2,318,400 toward construction to support Phase 1 of the Scott County Legacy Trail for pedestrians, bicycles and other nonmotorized transportation. The project area extends from the end of the Fayette County Legacy Trail to residential areas along School House Road in Scott County. Along the way it crosses Interstate 75 and KY Route 1963 (Lisle Road) and runs through the county’s Lisle Road Soccer Complex. Scott County Fiscal Court is providing $579,600 for the project.
City of London – $1,378,400 for repair and replacement of sidewalks on nine blocks of Main Street. It’s an area of heavy pedestrian use, including citizens with motorized wheelchairs. London Elementary School is in the project area and two others, North Laurel and South Laurel middle schools, are within 2 miles. Numerous businesses, City Hall, the Laurel County Courthouse, a community center, three churches and a city park are within a half-mile radius. The city is providing $344,600 in matching funds.
London Mayor Randall Weddle accepted a ceremonial check for the sidewalk project and expressed appreciation on behalf of his community.
“The City of London is grateful to Governor Beshear, Secretary Gray and Commissioner Lewis for giving us this grant,” said Mayor Weddle. “This grant will give our seniors and many of our youth ways to safely travel to and from grocery stores and schools. Increasing the quality of life for our citizens is always forefront of our minds and we are deeply grateful to have such an administration that thinks and cares like us on a local level.”
Lexington Fayette Urban County Government – $576,000 toward construction of Brighton Trail, a planned 3-mile bikeway connecting the downtown, via Liberty Road, with an existing bike/pedestrian trail between Liberty Park and Deer Haven Park. The local government’s share is $144,000.
City of Greensburg – $376,609 toward a project to construct a gutter, curb and sidewalk to close and relocate an entrance to the Green County Area Technology Center. The city’s required match is $94,151.
“The Transportation Alternatives Program really extends to small communities and large communities alike the ability to connect our community with our people,” said Greensburg Mayor John Michael Shuffett. “For the growth of Greensburg, the growth of our school district, this funding is going to fill the gap to be able to do some things we might not otherwise have been able to do.”
Boyle County – $170,554 toward the installation of drains on U.S. 68, the famed “Merchants Row,” in historic Perryville. The business district is prone to ponding of water in front of buildings due to the unlevel roadway and sidewalks along Merchants Row. Pedestrians sometimes have to walk through standing water. The planned drainage system will funnel water into the storm system. Boyle County’s required match is $42,638.
About the Transportation Alternatives Program TAP is a federally funded reimbursement program administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. Funding supports non-motorized forms of transportation to improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities. Transportation projects commonly include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, ADA compliance, Safe Routes to School and wildlife mitigation. The program covers 80% of the project cost. Approximately $19 million in TAP awards have been awarded during the Beshear Administration.
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