FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear Monday announced a $1.9 million Transportation Enhancement (TE) award to fund improvements for the streetscape project around the old Nelson County Courthouse in downtown Bardstown.
"My administration is committed to supporting local communities by investing in projects that improve the quality of life for Kentuckians," Beshear said. "I’m happy that we can help advance an important revitalization project that will enhance the appeal of historic Bardstown."
The project will include funding to help curb heavy traffic, improve pedestrian safety and enrich the historic charm of downtown Bardstown.
Some traffic calming techniques include reducing the length of crosswalk areas; providing a larger buffer area between sidewalks and streets; and rerouting larger vehicles out of the downtown district. The project will also provide uniform pavement for sidewalks, street lighting and site furnishings, which include benches and trash receptacles.
Designers will also use old photographs to mimic streetscape design patterns and materials that were originally used in Bardstown.
Bardstown, famously known for My Old Kentucky Home State Park and "Stephen Foster — The Musical," will match the award with $474,321 in local funding.
The TE program provides federal funds for transportation-related activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure. Federal funding is available to government agencies to provide support for transportation and community improvement projects. TE funding is administered by the Transportation Cabinet.
Information about TE is available at http://www.tea21.ky.gov/.
