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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Announces $500,000 Grant for New Health Department in Henry County
Awards $50,000 in Recreational Trails Program funding
NEW CASTLE, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear joined Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Tony Wilder and local leaders today to announce funding for two grants in support of community health and a trails project in Henry County.
Gov. Beshear presented a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to Henry County for construction of a new health department. The building will house the county health clinic, the county environmental offices, the Hands Program and the Home Health Agency.
“It is essential for Kentuckians to be able to quickly and easily access healthcare,” said Gov. Beshear. “By providing up-to-date facilities with many services under one roof, the new health department will deliver improved treatment opportunities and will serve as a critical resource for the community.”
Located in the new Henry County Recreation and Services Park next to the recently constructed Henry County Senior Center, the health department will meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. The center will expand health resources available to the community and concentrate health services in a central location.
The state’s CDBG program is administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG) and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Kentucky’s Congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program ensures the availability of continued funding in Kentucky and nationally.
Gov. Beshear also announced a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant for the Henry County Cedar Lodge Trail Project. A $50,000 grant will go toward the construction of three to five miles of asphalt trail and trailhead facility located at the Cedar Lodge Park and Recreation Center.
“The Cedar Lodge Trail Project located in close proximity to the new health department and senior center will be a visible and tangible reminder that an active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle, and the partnership between state and local government helps create these opportunities for our citizens,” said DLG Commissioner Tony Wilder. “All of the projects we’re announcing today represent significant improvements that will greatly improve quality-of-life for the Henry County community.”
RTP is an assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by the Department for Local Government and requires that applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50 percent reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails, and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, inline skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.
A ribbon-cutting also occurred for the Cedar Lake Park Place homes and the Michael Brent Memorial Playground.
“Henry County is very proud of its new walking trail, and we are excited about breaking ground on the new health department,” said Henry County Judge-Executive John Logan Brent. “Both are great examples of the Governor’s commitment to improving rural health. I so much appreciate the Governor’s help in making these two important projects happen.”
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