Department of Highways, District 6
Governor Beshear announces funding for ‘Safe Routes to School’ projects in Cynthiana

Projects will ‘enhance quality of life’ for community

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced a grant totaling $247,000 for the city of Cynthiana  – investments to give students at Southside Elementary and Harrison County Middle schools a way to walk or ride bicycles in greater safety.

“These are not merely grants. These are investments that will enhance the quality of life in the community of Cynthiana,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our administration is proud to support the efforts of a progressive community to provide a safe, healthy and attractive environment for its citizens.”

The city of Cynthiana was awarded a $247,000 federal Safe Routes to School grant for the demolition of dilapidated sidewalks and construction of new sidewalks. The grant will allow students to walk or bike to Southside Elementary and Harrison County Middle schools. The project will also include the construction of a chain link fence for protection from a steep drop-off along one of the routes. The project area begins at Webster Avenue at the junction of Education Drive to Bridge Street. The project then follows Bridge Street west to Miller Street to Oddville Avenue, and from Bridge Street east to Elmarch Avenue to Harrison Avenue. Approximately 200 students live within a 2-mile radius of the schools.

Safe Routes to School projects are designed to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to walk or ride bicycles to school – getting exercise and reducing motor vehicle traffic at the same time. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet administers both programs in Kentucky.

“The citizens of Cynthiana can be proud of their community, and our cabinet is proud to be able to support their efforts in creating a viable travel alternative,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather.

Presenting a check for $247,000 for the construction of new sidewalks, Governor Beshear is surrounded by Harrison County elementary students, magistrates, city commissioners, Judge Executive Alex Barnett, Mayor James Brown and Chief District Engineer Tom Schomaker.

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