FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2025) — The Heart of Scottsville Inc., a Kentucky Main Street community, has received a $60,000 GM on Main Street grant to support the Scottsville Public Square raised table crossings project, an initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety and accessibility in downtown Scottsville.
“Our Kentucky Main Street program builds on the New Kentucky Home initiative by bringing new life to our downtowns and supporting our local businesses,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This award allows Scottsville to enhance the visitor experience and ensure everyone who explores this main street community feels welcome and safe. Thank you, General Motors and Main Street America, for investing in the commonwealth.”
The project will install elevated crosswalks at key intersections around the square, enhancing pedestrian safety and ease of movement in the busy commercial district.
The Scottsville Public Square serves as the vibrant hub of the community, combining historic charm with modern amenities. Local businesses contribute to a lively atmosphere that supports numerous events and activities year-round. However, current crosswalks are situated too far from vehicle stopping points, posing risks for pedestrians.
“This project is a direct reflection of our community’s voice,” said Hannah Brooks, executive director of Heart of Scottsville. “You told us safety mattered, and we listened. This is a smart, beautiful and thoughtful way to make our downtown even more welcoming.”
The new raised crosswalks are designed to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce crossing distances, making it easier to access downtown shops, services and events. The initiative aligns with Heart of Scottsville’s broader goal of revitalizing the downtown area while preserving its historic character.
Participation in the Kentucky Main Street program offers communities access to a network of resources, training and funding opportunities for downtown revitalization. Designation as a Kentucky Main Street community makes local organizations eligible to apply for competitive grants like GM on Main Street, helping them implement transformative projects that boost economic vitality and preserve historic assets.
“Our Main Street communities are committed to creating memorable and vibrant experiences for their visitors,” said Kitty Dougoud, Kentucky Main Street program administrator. “We are so proud of Heart of Scottsville for pursuing this project and receiving a GM on Main Street grant for 2025.”
The GM on Main Street Grant Program was launched in 2023 through a partnership between General Motors and Main Street America. The program supports nonprofit organizations and municipal entities in implementing innovative placemaking initiatives in local commercial districts. Since its inception, the program has awarded $650,000 in grants.
The Kentucky Main Street program builds on the New Kentucky Home initiative by revitalizing downtown communities to attract new visitors. The Kentucky Main Street communities’ investments and job creation build on the commonwealth’s recent economic momentum, including within the tourism industry.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Last year, the Governor announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In January, Gov. Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties received $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
In December 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
About the Kentucky Main Street Program The Kentucky Main Street program was created by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office in 1979 to reverse economic decline in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings. The statewide program currently serves 22 communities: Bardstown, Beattyville, Campbellsville, Carrollton, Grayson, Guthrie, LaGrange, Maysville, Middlesboro, Morehead, Murray, Paducah, Perryville, Pikeville, Pineville, Salyersville, Scottsville, Shelbyville, Springfield, Taylorsville, the Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch; and Williamsburg.
About Heart of Scottsville Heart of Scottsville is a Nationally Accredited Kentucky Main Street program and an independent nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Scottsville through economic development, community engagement and preservation of the unique small-town character.
For updates, maps and FAQs, please visit: http://www.heartofscottsville.org/safestreets
About Main Street America Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, that share a commitment to both place and building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens.