|
West Ky towns get transportation $$
Monday, November 16, 2009 5:05 pm Governor Beshear announces funding for Greenville in Muhlenberg Co. & Munfordville in Hart County
Press releases below GREENVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2009) — Gov. Steve Beshear presented $412,100 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds to the citizens of Greenville today—an investment that continues Greenville’s efforts to revitalize downtown.
“Preserving downtown Greenville enriches the culture and adds charm to the town. This funding helps restore Greenville to its historic roots,” said Gov. Beshear. “When completed, the labors of this project will advance Greenville’s goal of economic growth and development in Muhlenberg County.”
The funding for the “Transportation: Green Pride-Phase II” project will enable the city of Greenville to renovate and beautify pedestrian walkways by installing stamped brick crosswalks. In addition, new historic street lighting along North Main Street and East Main Cross will replace the current utility poles. The project will also replace 1,120 feet of sidewalk with curbs and gutters.
“Considering the state of our economy today, any assistance to benefit Greenville and Muhlenberg County is exciting,” said Sen. Jerry Rhoads, D-Madisonville. “These funds are especially thrilling because the money will help to enhance the beauty and history of Greenville, which will improve the quality of life for the citizens of Greenville and for future generations.”
In March 2009, Gov. Beshear awarded Greenville $130,000 to replace old wooden stoplight poles with new, historic-style cross-arm poles and help complete Phase I of Greenville’s revitalization efforts.
“This money comes at an ideal time for our community, and will go a long way to helping us achieve some long-term goals we have for downtown,” said Rep. Brent Yonts, D-Greenville. “I want to thank Governor Beshear and the Transportation Cabinet for their roles in making this possible.”
In 2007, Greenville was awarded $354,400 for the renovation and beautification of sidewalks along South Main Street, which included the construction of stamped brick crosswalks leading to the Courthouse and new Judicial Building. Funding also provided for the installation of new decorative lighting along South Main Street and the Courthouse Square.
Transportation Enhancements are transportation-related activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure. Federal funding is available to government agencies to provide support for transportation and community improvement projects. TE funding is administered by the Transportation Cabinet.
Gov. Steve Beshear today announced nearly $400,000 in federal funding for Munfordville’s “Connecting our Community” sidewalk restoration projects.
“My administration is committed to supporting local communities by investing in projects that improve quality of life for Kentuckians,” Gov. Beshear said. “I’m happy that we can help move forward an important revitalization project that will enhance the appeal of downtown Munfordville and Hart County.”
Gov. Beshear presented a ceremonial check for $172,428 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds to the city of Munfordville for sidewalk improvements. The project includes removing and replacing the old sidewalk around the Hart County Courthouse, sheriff’s office and along portions of Main Street. Downtown lighting fixtures will also be installed. Existing sidewalks and crosswalks in Munfordville are in poor condition and are not handicap accessible. New sidewalks will be safer for pedestrians and encourage healthier lifestyles through walking.
The TE program provides federal funds for transportation-related activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure. Federal funding is available to government agencies to provide support for transportation and community improvement projects. TE funding is administered by the Transportation Cabinet.
Information about TE is available at http://www.tea21.ky.gov.
Munfordville receives Safe Route to School funding
Gov. Beshear also presented $221,500 in Safe Routes to School funding to Munfordville for sidewalk improvements that connect downtown with the elementary school.
“Our administration is proud to support the efforts of a progressive community to provide a safe, healthy and attractive environment for its citizen. This investment will enhance the quality of life in Munfordville,” said Gov. Beshear. “With this funding, we can provide our children a safe and reliable route to school.”
The first phase includes construction of 4,140 square feet of sidewalk along Munford Avenue. Sidewalks will be 3 feet to 5 feet wide and include curbs and gutters. The second phase connects downtown Munfordville with the elementary school by replacing nearly 6,500 square feet of sidewalk along West Union Street. The third phase provides two bike racks, striping of six crosswalks and the installation of school zone and pedestrian crossing signage.
Safe Routes to School projects are designed to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to walk or ride bicycles to school – getting exercise and reducing motor vehicle traffic at the same time. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet administers the program in Kentucky.
|