KENTUCKY — Several communities throughout Kentucky will receive funding from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to upgrade parks and recreational spaces. On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his selection of the 12 projects, which will total $692,058.

The communities selected for funding are Carroll County, Franklin County, Garrard County, Harlan County, Hart County, Henderson County, Martin County, Perry County, Shelby County, Madisonville, Morganfield, and Corbin.

“Our parks and outdoor spaces are critically important in our communities and enhance the quality of life for Kentuckians by providing safe, green spaces to exercise and spend time with loved ones,” said Beshear. “Additionally, as we work to make Kentucky a world-class tourist destination, some of these improvements will attract tourism dollars that will help strengthen our economy to build the better Kentucky we’ve always imagined."

RTP, a competitive, federal program, aims to improve communities and enhance the quality of life "by providing assistance for easement acquisitions, trailhead facility upgrades, and recreational trail development and maintenance," according to a release from the governor's office.

Selected applicants must still undergo an environmental review and receive clearance from the Kentucky Transporation Cabinet (KYTC) and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to receive the funding. The Department for Local Government (DLG) will administer the funding at the state level.    

DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene congratulated the selected communities.

“Congratulations to all of the communities selected for trail improvements,” said Keene. “Because of your work, families in all corners of Kentucky will have access to better parks and recreational spaces. We look forward to the completion of these projects and the prosperity they will provide our communities across the commonwealth.”

Here's how each community plans to use the funding:

Carroll County

Carroll County will use $35,750 to resurface an existing, ADA-accessible trail at Camp Kysoc.

Franklin County

Franklin County will use $20,000 to build a new pedestrian entrance trail at Lakeview Park.

Garrard County

Garrard County will use $44,804 for the proposed Historic Paint Lick Trail, a paved, rural, non-motorized shared-use trail.

Harlan County

Harlan County will use $200,000 for the Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Expansion. The project proposes adding 18 miles of trails complete with signage and regular trail maintenance, including adding culvert pipes, installing a new metal storage building, filling in ditch lines, trimming limbs, ensuring proper water drainage, and placing new gravel where necessary.

Hart County

Hart County will use $100,000 to construct the Hart County Historical Society Civil War Battlefield Walking Trail, including gravel and paved trails, a parking lot, benches, signage, and a trailhead at the Woodson House site.

Henderson County

Henderson County will use $37,184 to construct a walking and biking trail at Sandy Lee Watkins Park to complete a 5-kilometer loop.

Martin County

Martin County will use $14,829 to repair erosion on the Kingfisher Trail. The county’s proposed project includes the insertion of proper drainage, replacing all bridges and steps, relocating the butterfly garden, developing an orchard, and installing new signage.

Perry County

Perry County will use $34,746 to develop an interconnecting trail system that includes hiking and mountain biking specific trails and shared-use trails. 

Shelby County

Shelby County will use $125,000 to continue construction on the Clear Creek Greenway, a concrete and asphalt trail.

Corbin

Corbin will use $38,471 to construct a walking trail at the Corbin Civic Center Sports Complex.

Madisonville

Madisonville will use $20,000 on a paved walking trail around the perimeter of Cherry Park.

Morganfield

Morganfield will use $21,274 to construct a walking trail at Dunbar Park that includes benches, flowering trees, and trash receptacles.