Projects promote healthy routines in safe, accessible surroundings
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $13.8 million in funding to 14 cities and counties for pedestrian safety projects as part of his goal to build better transportation systems that improve the lives of Kentuckians.
“Kentuckians deserve great, accessible options as they travel to work, school, church and more,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why we’ve invested funding to improve local roads across the commonwealth, and it’s also why we’re investing in bicycle and walking paths. This funding will help keep folks healthy and safe by making sure walkers and bikers have a separate path, away from cars. It will also help drivers by decreasing traffic on the roads.”
The funding is from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, known as TAP, which reimburses local governments for 80% of the cost of facilities that support non-motorized transportation in ways that improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities.
TAP projects commonly include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Safe Routes to School program and wildlife mitigation. TAP awards during Gov. Beshear’s administration now total approximately $36 million. The program is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.
A full list of awards being announced today is available here.
Some featured projects include:
City of Winchester – $4,444,000 for the utility and construction phases of the city’s Main Street High Side project. The project area, South Main Street between Lexington Avenue and Broadway, will be upgraded to resolve ADA access issues for businesses and residences. The project will provide three ADA-compliant ramps and ADA-compliant sidewalks along both sides of the street.
Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed said she and other city leaders were excited to receive this TAP award: “These funds will allow the city to move forward with the High Side project for downtown Winchester. We are humbled by the receipt of this award and look forward to making Winchester an even better place to call home. A special thank you to Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and all those who have made this project possible for Winchester.”
City of Murray – $3,127,165 toward the 16th Street Sidewalk Extension Project. A proposed new sidewalk with curb, gutter and enclosed storm drainage system will safely connect the Murray State University and Murray Elementary School campuses to multiple neighborhoods and churches.
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers said improvement in pedestrian and motor-vehicle safety has been a major goal of city leaders: “South 16th Street is a major artery that services schools within the Murray Independent School District, as well as students at Murray State University. There is currently no sidewalk on this portion of the roadway, and its construction will assist in safely getting students to school and home each day. We could not be more excited to receive this funding and look forward to completing the project as part of our long-term safety goals.”
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government – $800,000 toward construction of the Armstrong Mill Shared Use Path project. It will add 1.25 miles to the 3,300 feet of bike/pedestrian path the Urban County Government has built along Armstrong Mill Road. It will fill a gap between Appian Way and Caulder Road and extend the path from River Park Drive to Squires Hill Lane.
“Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for helping us connect bike and pedestrian facilities between Tates Creek and Squires Hill Lane,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This is a big step forward for our trail system as it continues to grow and make connections with additional neighborhoods.”
City of Maysville – $1,491,905 for the Maysville Walking, Fitness and Recreation Sidewalk project. The plan is to connect West 2nd Street to Limestone Landing and the Maysville River Park with new sidewalk. It would connect numerous neighborhoods to government offices and services, health care, retail businesses, restaurants, groceries and a farmers market.
“This TAP grant directly addresses the Maysville Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan’s mission to improve public health, improve citizen mobility and enhance quality of life,” Mayor Debra Cotterill said. “We truly appreciate the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and especially the Department of Highways District 9 for this opportunity and their support, as well as Buffalo Trace Area Development District staff and city staff.”
City of Loretto, Marion County – $1,387,366 for Phase 2 of a larger sidewalk project to connect neighborhoods, the downtown, local businesses, churches, a park, West Marion Elementary School and more. Phase 2 will involve building 3,900 feet of 5-foot-wide sidewalk along Kentucky Highway 52 (St. Francis Highway) to its intersection with Kentucky Highway 49.
“I applaud the city of Loretto for putting forward the required matching funds to support the sidewalk project,” said Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon, whose district includes Marion County. “Infrastructure prioritizing safety and mobility for our constituents is a main consideration on the state, local and federal levels when reviewing projects to support and fund. I appreciate our friends at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for recognizing the project’s value.”
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