Lake Barkley to get bike/pedestrian trail and amphitheater

About $400,000 in federal funds to aid projects

KUTTAWA, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2014) — Gov. Steve Beshear today ceremonially delivered funding for two projects in the Lake Barkley region in Lyon County that will create a multi-use “bike/ped” trail along the lake front and a new amphitheater located on the northern shore.

The trail project will be funded with $322,300 through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for continued development of a multi-use trail system and a scenic lookout adjacent to Lake Barkley.

The trail affords a healthy transportation alternative to people at all levels of physical ability. The trail is a three-phase project, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will connect three sections of Kuttawa. It will trace the lakefront and KY 295 and includes a scenic overlook.

The city completed Phase 1 of the trail in 2004, and is preparing to begin construction on Phase 2. The TAP funding represented by the funding is for the final phase.

TAP is a federally funded reimbursement program administered by the Office of Local Programs in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. TAP assists communities in funding transportation improvements such as safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification and other investments. Local governments can recoup up to 80 percent of the cost of a project. The City of Kuttawa will put $117,575 of local funding into the trail system.

Beshear also ceremonially presented a check for a $70,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to city of Kuttawa for the construction of a new amphitheater. The project, located in the “Old Kuttawa” recreational area, also includes a new walkway and lighting for the area.

The LWCF is a grant matching reimbursement program for the development and maintenance of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, such as campgrounds, sports and playfields, swimming and fishing areas, boating facilities and trails.

Funding for this program is allocated to the Department for Local Government by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior. Cities, counties, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply.