Project will make needed connections between campuses, churches and residential neighborhoods
MURRAY, Ky.– In keeping with his priorities to promote health, connectivity and traffic safety, Gov. Andy Beshear Wednesday presented funding to advance a badly needed sidewalk project along 16th Street in Murray.
“Good, well-built sidewalks bring so many benefits,” Gov. Beshear said. “They promote safety, because pedestrians aren’t forced onto a traffic lane. They promote health and exercise by providing an alternative to short-distance driving. And they help connect our neighborhoods to schools, businesses, churches and more.”
The Governor presented a ceremonial check for $500,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to the City of Murray to go toward design, right of way and relocation of utilities for the project. The funding is from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which KYTC administers.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant. South 16th Street has a lot of pedestrians and a sidewalk for a very short distance. This grant will definitely make this street much safer,” Mayor Bob Rogers said.
The plan is to install a sidewalk that is 6 feet wide with built-in storm drainage. The project area begins near the intersection of Coach Estates Drive and KY Route 1550 (Wiswell Road), then tracks along KY 822 (16th Street) to KY 821 (Sycamore Street), where it connects with existing sidewalks.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $2.75 million, of which $1.84 million is for construction. The City of Murray is investing $550,442, as the required local match.
Photo: Governor Beshear poses with the mayor and city council at the check presentation. Governor’s office photo.