Beshear announces over $18.8 million to fund accessibility, safety projects in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear has confirmed $18.8 million in funding will go to 18 transportation projects across Kentucky to improve safety and accessibility.
According to a release by the governor’s office, the projects will support more accessible areas for walking, biking, wheelchairs and more.
“Transportation isn’t just about the work we are doing to improve roads and bridges across our state; it’s about creating communities that support every Kentuckian and their needs,” said Beshear. “These projects will help give peace of mind to parents knowing their kids can walk safely to school, while improving access to local businesses and more.”
The funding is sourced from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, which officials say reimburses local governments for 80% of the costs of non-motorized transportation projects, such as bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
Thursday’s most recent found of funding includes projects in the following locations, according to the governor’s office:
- Auburn
- Beattyville
- Benton
- Brooksville
- Columbia
- Elkton
- Hodgenville
- Jackson
- Jenkins
- Lexington
- Morgantown
- Mortons Gap
- New Haven
- Paintsville
- Prestonsburg
- Bath County
- Kenton County
- Robertson County
The city of Columbia, in south-central Kentucky, was awarded nearly $1.4 million for a sidewalk improvement and expansion project as part of the Safe Routes to School program, officials say. The governor’s office says that project will create a “safe, continuous and accessible pedestrian route from downtown to the Adair County school complex, where nearly 200 students regularly walk to class.”
“We are so excited to be a recipient of a TAP grant,” said Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots. “This will bring sidewalk connectivity to our school complex. Thank you for caring about Columbia and Adair County.
In addition, officials say $520,800 will go to Auburn for Auburn Sugar Maple Drive pedestrian improvements.
A full list of the funding is available here.
