For Immediate Release
Feb. 12, 2002
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront or Terry Sebastian: 502-564-2611 

Gov. Patton issues grants for 3 Renaissance projects

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Paul Patton today announced three Renaissance Kentucky grants totaling $700,000 for Green, Lincoln and Mercer counties. The grants are awarded through the Federal Transportation Enhancement program.  

"Renaissance Kentucky is aimed at helping our communities with developing businesses, housing and rental opportunities in their downtown areas," Patton said. "All Kentucky communities should have downtown centers thriving with activity to pass on local traditions and treasures to future generations." 

Green County will receive $100,000 for its Greensburg Streetscape. The funds will help move overhead utilities underground, remove street lights, and install ornamental lampposts, new sidewalks, trees and shrubs. 

Lincoln County will receive $100,000 for the city of Stanford’s transformation of Willy’s Overland Motors Dealership building into an indoor downtown parking and transportation museum. 

Mercer County will receive $500,000 for the city of Harrodsburg’s Diamond Point Project, which will restore 7,000 square feet of an 1840 building. 

The goal of the program is to recognize and honor communities that have maintained or restored their central downtown areas as safe, efficient and functional urban cores.  Additionally, the program provides support and technical assistance with the development of strategies for those communities that want to improve their downtowns. Renaissance Kentucky communities are divided into designated tiers -- bronze, silver or gold -- according to the criteria met upon application. The program encourages communities to reach the highest level possible by awarding funds to those in the silver and gold levels. Opportunities for advancement are offered periodically. 

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