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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear announces community enhancement project in Florence
FLORENCE, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear joined Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Tony Wilder and local leaders today to announce funding for a community investment in Florence.
The governor presented a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the City of Florence for construction of a new Florence Senior Center.
“Ensuring that seniors have adequate access to services is a priority of my administration,” said Gov. Beshear. “The new center in Florence will provide much-needed assistance and resources for our seniors, as well as make those resources easier to access.”
The new 8,700 square-foot facility will be constructed on a 4.6 acre lot that is owned and maintained by the city of Florence. The CDBG funds supplement an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and funding from the city of Florence.
“Initiatives such as this help more than just a few individuals — they improve the quality of life for the community as a whole,” said Commissioner Tony Wilder. “This project, which has been designed to provide seniors with sufficient space for activities while also utilizing maximum safety considerations, will have a significant impact on the city of Florence.”
With transportation and congestion issues making it difficult to reach senior centers outside Florence, approximately 6,667 seniors, or 23 percent of Florence’s population, face a lack of services. The new facility will be conveniently located in downtown Florence with nearby availability of public transportation, municipal buildings and other important services. The preliminary design includes a commercial grade kitchen and service area capable of preparing 100 meals, multi-purpose rooms, a wellness room and a computer room. In addition to meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the building will utilize energy-efficient technology, such as a geothermal HVAC system and a green roof system.
“The City of Florence is excited to get our Senior Center project moving,” said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen. “We have had input from all parties involved, including a committee of our residents who will be using the facility, and we know that this will provide a much needed asset for Florence. This is just one more example of how Governor Beshear and his administration support projects for all corners of our population and recognize the physical, social and emotional benefits associated with providing these types of amenities to our residents.”
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