FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2012 ) – Twenty-one Kentucky projects will get more than $1.13 million in Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants to develop and maintain trails throughout Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear’s Office announced today.
In August, Beshear pledged support for the RTP by signing a letter to U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood, reaffirming Kentucky’s commitment to utilize RTP funds. Prior to the passage of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the program was in jeopardy of losing congressional funding.
“Recreational trails help spur economic development, increase property values and aid in land conservation throughout our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “RTP grants have been a valuable resource to our communities, and I am pleased we can continue to fund worthwhile trail projects in Kentucky.”
The 2012 Kentucky RTP funding will go to 21 recipients in communities across the state.
RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements; development and/or maintenance of recreational trails; and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, cycling, inline skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.
Since 2008, First Lady Jane Beshear has been a leader in enhancing and promoting Adventure Tourism across the state and has joined the Governor in being a strong supporter for the RTP.
“We are fortunate to live in a state filled with unique, natural resources and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tourism ventures,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The RTP funding helps Kentucky towns and counties develop their recreational projects so they can offer top-quality tourism destinations and promote healthy, active lifestyles in their own communities.”
The RTP is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by the Department for Local Government and requires that non-motorized trail applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50 percent reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments and state and federal agencies.
The 2012 RTP grant recipients include:
Bracken County Fiscal Court
Bracken County Industrial Recreational Trail Project, $75,000, Bracken County
City of Olive Hill
Rail Trail Rehab and Trailhead Restroom Facility, $25,000, Carter County
City of Winchester
Rolling Hills Trails, $33,000, Clark County
Daviess County Fiscal Court
Horse Fork Creek Park Trail & Greenbelt, $93,000, Daviess County
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Brighton Rail Trail Phase 4, $66,868, Fayette County
Fleming County Fiscal Court
Park Lake Mountain Nature Preserve Trail Phase III, $5,800, Fleming County
City of Frankfort
Cove Spring Connectivity, $33,000, Franklin County
City of Caneyville
Caneyville Recreational Park Trail, $38,000, Grayson County
Harrison County Fiscal Court
Flat Run Veterans Park Fishing Pond Walking Trail, $42,500, Harrison County
City of Nortonville
Nortonville Recreational Trails Project, $25,000, Hopkins County
City of Dawson Springs
Dawson Springs Park to Park, $52,670, Hopkins County
City of Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills Recreational Trail Park Project, $100,000, Jefferson County
McCreary County Fiscal Court
2012 Little Rock Creek System Development, $100,000, McCreary County
City of Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville Community Park Trail Resurfacing Project, $16,650, Montgomery County
Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court
Muhlenberg County Rail Trail, $80,000, Muhlenberg County
City of Brodhead
L&N 21/22 Line Trail, $100,000, Rockcastle County
U.S Forest Service
Cumberland Ranger District Trails, $100,000, Rowan County
City of Sadieville
Sadieville Trailhead/Trail Stop Project, $29,350, Scott
KY Department of Parks
Taylorsville Lake State Park Wet Weather Horse Trail, $25,000, Spencer County
City of Trenton
City of Trenton Walking Trail Project, $50,000, Todd County
City of Providence
Providence Recreational Trail Phase II, $40,000, Webster County
For more info on Kentucky recreational trails and other adventure tourism efforts in the state, please visithttp://www.kentuckytourism.com/outdoor_adventure/great_outdoors.aspx.
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