Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today the approval of 11 transportation-related projects totaling $3.5 million. 

Today's announcements mark the first round of projects chosen to be funded through the federal government's Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, or TEA-21 program. Kentucky's share of federal funds is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

"Kentucky is recognized as the national leader in the 'White House Preserve America' initiative," said Governor Fletcher. "These funding decisions demonstrate this administration's firm commitment to using Transportation Enhancement funds to support preservation and economic development in Kentucky.  Working with the Transportation Cabinet, The Governor's Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Kentucky Heritage Council, we have selected projects that meet a wide variety of needs throughout the Commonwealth."

TEA-21 funds are used for a variety of transportation-related projects, including pedestrian and bicycle use facilities, scenic and environmental improvement projects, preservation of abandoned railway corridors, and historic preservation projects.

The following is a brief synopsis of the first round projects that have been selected:
 

• Lyndale Road Sidewalk Project, Kenton County   $  57,600
  City of Edgewood
  The project will provide a safe walk way for pedestrian traffic while improving the overall appearance of the community in the "Old Edgewood" section of the city.
• Royal Drive Sidewalk Project, Kenton County    $ 96,000
  City of Fort Mitchell                                     
  The sidewalk will provide safe pedestrian walkways for neighbors as well as patrons to the local hotels, convention center and shopping complex. 
• Bloomfield Scenic Beautification Project, Nelson County  $  88,000
  City of Bloomfield
  This project relocates utility lines from the front of the downtown buildings to the rear of buildings near the street.  Additionally, the project calls for replacing an existing sidewalk that is deteriorated and has become dangerous.  
• Trenton Streetscapes Project, Todd County    $  84,000
  City of Trenton
  This streetscape project is located on Main Street in Trenton, which is also known as Highway 41 (Trail of Tears).  The project calls for new sidewalks, lamp posts, a pedestrian crosswalk on Clarksville Road, and the addition of street furniture.
• McDowell House Preservation Project, Boyle County  $328,800
  Boyle County Fiscal Court
  Project includes an archeological dig of the grounds and well that are located on property of the historic McDowell House in Danville.  Additional improvements will be made to the grounds and gardens associated with the McDowell House Museum.   
• Mill Springs Battlefield Preservation Project, Pulaski County $880,000
  Pulaski County Fiscal Court
  Funding will be used to assist the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, Inc. with the purchase of two adjoining tracts of land at the Mill Springs Battlefield Park. These parcels were both a significant part of the battlefield on January 19, 1862 and with these funds will be purchased and secured from development which threatens to destroy significant archeological and interpretative sites adjacent to existing battlefield property.
• Historic Ward Hall Preservation Project, Scott County  $500,000
  Scott County Fiscal Court
  This funding, along with private funding, will allow for the acquisition of Ward Hall, its outbuildings and 40 acres in Scott County.  Ward Hall is Kentucky's finest Greek revival home and is one of the most distinguished in the nation.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as significant for its architecture, archeology and landscaping.  It is also on Preservation Kentucky's inaugural "Kentucky's Most Endangered Historic Places" list. 
• Big Hill Welcome Center Project, Phase II, Jackson County      $120,000
  Jackson County Fiscal Court
  Completion of the Cox-Simpson House as a welcome center will enhance tourism and will aid the surrounding communities with both economic and community development. The Big Hill Tourist Welcome Center is strategically located to provide the US 421 traveler with information about sites of historic and recreational interest in Jackson, Rockcastle and Madison counties
• Battle of Richmond Battlefield Preservation Project, Madison County  $654,400
  Madison County Fiscal Court
  The Battle of Richmond Preservation and Interpretation Project is a multi-phase project that will restore a 19th century house and brick outbuilding, create a trail system, parking area and vehicular access on the 62-acres property and will fully interpret the Battle of Richmond through an improved driving tour.  The house and acreage are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
  This project will develop a visitor's center at the Herndon House adjacent to US 421, an interpreted pedestrian trail on the Battlefield Park Property, and will interpret a 17-mile stretch along the Battlefield driving tour.
• Garrett House Welcome Center/History Museum,  Shelby County $160,000
  City of Shelbyville
  Originally constructed in 1872 as a residence for their minister, The Garrett House will be given to the City of Shelbyville for $1.00.  The facility will then be renovated as a Welcome/History Center with handicapped-accessible public restrooms.  The existing parking area acquired with the Garrett House will be improved and used to serve the welcome center, but will also serve as parking for existing merchants in the 600 and 700 blocks of Main and Washington Streets. The project is also a significant part of the City of Shelbyville's downtown revitalization efforts through the Renaissance Kentucky program.   
• Statewide, Tourism Signage Program     $500,000
  Continuation of program that enhances tourism across the state by providing signs to designate areas of cultural or recreational interest, historic sites, entertainment facilities, or areas of natural phenomenon or scenic beauty.
  

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