PADUCAH, Ky. (Sep. 14, 2022) – Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman awarded $579,503 in funding to two projects in McCracken County. The funding comes through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
“We know that today’s infrastructure cannot sustain the jobs of tomorrow,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “We are investing in our communities like never before to help them build roads, bridges, outdoor spaces and update water systems.”
Stuart Nelson Park Road
The KYTC awarded the McCracken County Fiscal Court a $500,000 economic development grant. The funding will be used for improvements to Stuart Nelson Park Road. This includes a 0.36-mile stretch of the road pivotal for the newly planned McCracken County Athletic Complex. Currently, the road is too narrow and has poor drainage.
“I appreciate the intent and focus of local officials here in McCracken County to bring attention to the benefits these two projects can bring to the residents of the county,” State Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, said. “A safer and easier traffic flow on Stuart Nelson Park Road will bring economic benefit and allow children and families to enjoy a visionary athletic complex. This project is a worthy example of why lawmakers allocate state revenues to the transportation cabinet’s discretionary fund.”
McCracken County Park
McCracken County was awarded an LWCF grant for $79,503. Once reviewed and approved by the National Parks Service, this funding will be used to construct three new picnic shelters, a bike shelter, a 1700-foot nature trail, pave a gravel parking lot and replace fencing.
“The General Assembly has kept a philosophy that these are taxpayer resources and should be invested wisely. It is our job to put these resources to work for all Kentuckians, which is why a significant portion of the state budget funds our economic and infrastructure development priorities,” said Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy. “Investments in public infrastructure and park systems are direct investments in the future of our commonwealth. These improvement projects are vital to Kentucky and will help put our communities in a strong position to support growth and opportunities.”
“Land and Water Conservation Funds are one of several pots of federal money our local communities stand to benefit from, but it takes a lot of diligent efforts and meticulous grant writing to secure it,” Sen. Carroll said. “I’m thankful for those folks who dot the I’s and cross the T’s to ensure the people of their counties and cities are beneficiaries. We have great folks in McCracken County who work hard for their constituents daily to build a better future.”
About the Land and Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF provides federal grant funds to protect important natural areas, to acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming facilities, boating facilities, fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and passive parks. To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
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