First Lady Jane Beshear's Communications Office
First Lady Jane Beshear Announces $93,000 for Horse Fork Creek Park in Daviess County

OWENSBORO, Ky. – First Lady Jane Beshear today announced a $93,000  Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant to Daviess County for a new trail project at Horse Fork Creek Park.  

“The new trail and trail improvements at Horse Fork Creek Park add to the growing list of adventure tourism opportunities for this region,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This project will not only benefit Daviess County residents but will also help boost tourism and achieve our goal of expanding recreational opportunities for Kentuckians and our guests.”

The RTP grant awarded to the Daviess County Fiscal Court will go toward the construction of more than 1,000 feet of a new, elevated nature trail at the Horse Fork Creek Park. It will also help provide maintenance to an existing 1.7 miles of the Horse Fork Creek Park Greenbelt Trail, and will help construct a new 60-x-200-foot trailhead parking lot for walkers, cyclists and skaters to utilize.   

“Our community has long embraced a vibrant network of parks, and this money will help us build on that reputation,” said Rep. Tommy Thompson.  “The projects will really add to our quality of life, especially for those who are taking advantage of our greenbelt system.  It means a lot to have First Lady Beshear here for this announcement, because she has such a passion for parks and preservation.”

“The First Lady's visit to Owensboro's Horse Fork Creek Park welcomes an economic development and community enhancement announcement for the citizens of the Great City of Owensboro, Kentucky,” said Rep. Jim Glenn.  “This grant will greatly assist with job creation, tourism, and an improved quality of life for the families in our area.”

The RTP is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.  Kentucky’s RTP grants are administered by the Department for Local Government and require that applicants match the amount of funds requested. The 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. 

In August, Gov. Steve Beshear pledged his support for the RTP by signing a letter to U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood reaffirming Kentucky’s commitment to utilize RTP funds.

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