All projects designed to support local economic development
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 30, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $1.8 million in discretionary transportation funding to help four local governments make roadway repairs and improvements that will promote local economic development.
“These projects were thoughtfully planned, well-designed and will benefit the people of their communities,” Gov. Beshear said. “In addition to new pavement, the work will include repair of road base failures, improved drainage and design changes to help traffic flow more smoothly and safely.”
The projects were submitted to the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) for discretionary fund consideration. Staff in the local Department of Highways districts evaluated the projects on factors including safety, traffic volume and economic impact.
With this latest round, Gov. Beshear’s administration has awarded more than $47.9 million in discretionary transportation funding since January 2020.
“Good transportation infrastructure is essential to a community’s economy and key to preserving a good quality of life,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “These newly approved grants of funding will yield benefits for years to come.”
The awards:
The McCracken County Fiscal Court was awarded $500,000 for improvements to about a third of a mile of Stuart Nelson Park Road in Paducah. Judge/Executive Craig Clymer said it’s a narrow street, only 18-feet wide, with inadequate drainage.
The county plans to rebuild the affected section to make three lanes, including a center turn lane for businesses and 5-foot sidewalks on each side. The improved roadway will be the main access to a new athletic complex with seven soccer fields, six baseball fields, two softball fields, a playground, grandstand and parking for 800 vehicles.
“This new athletic complex will fit the vision of a regional destination facility benefitting the local community and helping highlight the unique character of Paducah and McCracken County,” Judge Clymer said.
The Perry County Fiscal Court was awarded $856,100 toward resurfacing a total of 3.3 miles of two critically important local routes – Coal Fields Industrial Road and Trus Joist Lane. The two roads lead to the county’s industrial park.
“This is very good news for the citizens of Perry County,” said Judge/Executive Scott Alexander. “I’m grateful to Gov. Beshear for recognizing the importance of these two roads and our industrial park.”
The Ohio County Fiscal Court was awarded $400,000 to support resurfacing and extension of Old Liberty Church Road within Bluegrass Crossings Regional Business Park at Beaver Dam. The extension would serve a proposed $17 million distillery project that would have 30 employees.
“This is wonderful news for Ohio County. It’s going to allow us to recruit a large business for Ohio County – a distillery – and it’s going to improve the economy of our county. I appreciate the Governor so much on this,” Ohio County Judge/Executive David Johnston said.
The City of Russellville was awarded $52,385 for resurfacing and repair of hazards on a quarter-mile of Earl Davis Drive. Mayor Mark Stratton said it’s the home of three local industries employing 125 to 150 workers on average.
“These industries receive 75 to 90 semi-truck loads daily during normal operations. Over time Earl Davis Drive has developed numerous severe base failures due to traffic volume and heavy loads. The probability of a total failure of the roadway is of great concern,” Mayor Stratton said.
In each case, the local government approved for funding is responsible for administering the work and will be reimbursed by KYTC.
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