Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) announced today the commitment of $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the city of Berea.

Berea will place overhead utilities underground, replace sidewalks, and create a landscaped park in the Boone and Chestnut streets area, providing much-needed green space in downtown and an area for public activities.

 “This project will make Berea a more pedestrian-friendly town and the improvements will enhance the appeal to the many tourists that visit the city,” Governor Fletcher said.

Berea is known as the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky.  Berea is also a Renaissance on Main community, meaning the city has worked hard on its downtown development, focusing on economic opportunities.  The city is matching the CDBG grant at nearly 100 percent, making the project’s total cost $999,482.

            Community Development Block Grants are federal monies procured through the efforts of Kentucky’s U.S. Congressional leaders.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development makes these funds available through GOLD, which administers the CDBG Small Cities program in Kentucky.

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