Funding comes from Transportation Alternatives Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (May 31, 2022) – Today, Gov. Beshear awarded more than $2 million for various projects in Scott County. The funding will go towards the extension of the Legacy Trail, the streetscape and viaduct project in Georgetown and construction of a splash pad in Veterans Park in Sadieville.
“Parks and recreation spaces are an important part of every Kentucky community, because they provide safe spaces for exercise, community and outdoor fun,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am thrilled that today’s funding will give families in Scott County more places to enjoy together through increased access and more fun activities.”
Legacy Trail Extension
Gov. Beshear presented a ceremonial check for $1.6 million to the Scott County Fiscal Court from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The award will help extend and upgrade the Legacy Trail. The trail in Scott County will connect to the existing Legacy Trail within Fayette County, providing a safer alternate route into both counties for commuters and recreational users alike.
The trail will include a trailhead and park-and-ride lot located just short of the western end of Jodphur Lane where the road bends east. The trailhead will include five parking places including one Americans with Disabilities Act accessible (ADA) space, available exclusively for Legacy Trail users. An additional 210 parking spaces, six of which will be ADA spaces, will be available within the park for visitors from dusk till dark.
Funding will also go toward additional amenities, which will include improved sidewalk accessibility, a restroom facility adjacent to the multiuse path, a bike rack and repair station, landscaping, a stone pylon with trail mile marker, a limestone wall and a seating area. The trailhead will serve as a park and ride facility for users of the trail.
The trailhead will allow users of the trail to take longer trips while still having access to needed facilities, such as restrooms, running water and a bike repair station. The extension of sanitary sewer will improve opportunities for environmental protections within the Royal Spring Aquifer Recharge Area.
From the trailhead, the proposed off-road 12-foot wide paved multiuse path would extend north along the eastern side of the railroad toward an additional trailhead within Lisle Road Soccer Complex.
Georgetown Streetscape Project
The Governor also presented a ceremonial check for $438,404 from KYTC to the City of Georgetown for its streetscape and viaduct project. The City of Georgetown began working on the project in July 2016 after receiving a grant through the TAP program. The award given today will help Georgetown complete the project to benefit their community.
“With this generous funding we have secured and restored one of the commonwealth’s oldest stone structures, improved safety for motorists and pedestrians, ensured the future vitality of Royal Spring Park, and provided a gorgeous new entrance into the city’s vibrant downtown,” Georgetown Mayor Tom Prather said.
City of Sadieville: Veterans Park Splash Pad Project
Gov. Beshear awarded $47,217 to the City of Sadieville from the Land & Water Conservation Fund to construct an accessible splash pad at Veterans Park. This splash pad will ensure there is a place for people to cool off in the summer, as the city currently lacks water recreation within 20 miles of the park. This project will further enhance Veterans Park and provide a fun, safe summer activity for residents of Sadieville and surrounding communities.
About the Transportation Alternatives Program
The TAP is a federally funded reimbursement program administered through the KYTC’s Office of Local Programs. Funding supports non-motorized forms of transportation to improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities. Transportation projects commonly include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, ADA compliance, Safe Routes to School and wildlife mitigation. The program covers 80% of the project cost.
About the Land and Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF provides federal grant funds to protect important natural areas, to acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming facilities, boating facilities, fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and passive parks. To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
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