Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today the approval of 11 transportation-related projects totaling over $2.5 million.

Today’s announcements mark the second round of projects chosen to be funded through the federal government’s Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, or TEA-21 program. Kentucky’s share of federal funds is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“These funding decisions demonstrate this administration’s firm commitment to using Transportation Enhancement funds to preserve our state’s rich heritage while supporting economic development initiatives,” said Governor Fletcher.  “Working with the Transportation Cabinet, the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Kentucky Heritage Council, these projects will enable Kentucky’s citizens and visitors to enjoy all that we as a Commonwealth have to offer.”

TEA-21 funds are used for a variety of transportation-related projects, including pedestrian and bicycle use facilities, scenic and environmental improvement projects, preservation of abandoned railway corridors, and historic preservation projects.

The following is a brief synopsis of the second round projects that have been selected:

• Wall Alley Renovation      $420,848
  City of Winchester
  The project will allow for two-way traffic and the relocation of utilities to improve the streetscape along Wall Alley. Landscaping and facade improvements will also encourage pedestrian traffic and create an area more suitable for public events.
• Greensburg Streetscape Project, Phase III   $402,038
  City of Greensburg                                     
  The project will complete the renovation of the pubic square portion of Greensburg’s master plan. It includes removing overhead wires and placing underground, replacing streetlights with traditional lamp posts; installing new sidewalks using brick inlays and borders, and landscaping.
• Hazard Downtown Renaissance Streetscape            $141,524
  City of Hazard
  This project includes the construction of a sidewalk along West Main Street, a pedestrian plaza near City Hall, crosswalk improvements and parking signage throughout downtown.  
• Keene Lodge Community             $160,000
  Jessamine County Fiscal Court
  The project involves the completion and restoration of the Keene Lodge located in the historic, predominately African-American section of Jessamine County known as Keene.  Upon construction completion, the lodge will serve as a tourist/welcome center, museum and community center.
• River Heritage Museum, Phase II          $878,850
  City of Paducah/River Heritage Museum
  The project includes the design and construction of an additional 20,000 square feet of exhibit space for the River Heritage museum. The expansion also makes room for a catering kitchen.
• Restoration of the Historic L&N Depot        $280,000
  City of Bowling Green
  This fifth phase of funding would complete renovation of the West end of the building and will complete the project.  The renovated depot is a multi-use facility that contains a public library and a high-tech training room that is available to the public. The lobby, meeting rooms and grounds of the historic L&N Depot can be rented by the public for special events.
• The Tebbs Bend Toll House            $58,313
  Taylor County Fiscal Court
  This proposal includes the renovation of a toll house located on property entered in the National Register and owned by the Tebbs Bend Battlefield Association.  The renovated structure would be used as a Welcome/Educational Center for the more than one million annual tourists who visit the Green River area.
• Guthrie Streetscape Project        $221,168
  City of Guthrie
  This streetscape project involves the removal and replacement of existing sidewalks, gutters and curbs.  It includes the creation of crosswalks and makes the new sidewalks handicap accessible.  The community will also purchase street lamps and street furniture.
• Calhoun Riverfront           $32,648
  City of Calhoun
  This project will enhance Calhoun’s riverfront by building a bicycle/walking/running track (approximately three-fourths of a mile), swings, stone picnic tables, trash cans and a shelter for picnicking or entertainment between the track and the river’s edge.
• Levi Jackson Trail        $142,400
  Kentucky Department of Parks, Laurel County
  This trail will provide another mode of safe transportation to facilities at Levi Jackson State Park and will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to have access to the pool, campground, picnic area, museum, park headquarters, McHargue’s Mill, Daniel Boone Trace and Wilderness Road.  Fitness equipment will also be placed throughout the park.
• Renaissance Construction Phase II      $159,814
  City of Independence
  This project consists of constructing five-foot wide sidewalks that are parallel with State Route 17 from Summit View Middle and Elementary Schools southward approximately two miles to Kenton Elementary School.  This project will enhance the downtown area by providing a safe thoroughfare to local churches, schools and businesses in the vicinity.

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