PARIS, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., joined Paris community members Monday, April 29 to break ground on a new recycling convenience center. 

The governor's office said the new center will replace the current waste transfer station in the West Side neighborhood. The Kentucky's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project funded $2 million for the project, while the governor and General Assembly approved an additional $1.5 million.

"Every Kentuckian deserves to live in a healthy and clean environment," Beshear said. "Today marks a huge step forward for Paris and for the health and safety of Kentuckians. We’re investing in every community across the commonwealth as we build a brighter future for everyone."

“This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work and leadership from our community members,” said Paris Mayor John Plummer. “This is a milestone project for Paris and Bourbon County. Days like this are possible when local and state leaders work together for our people.”

Because the current transfer station sits at the end of a residential street, the flow of trash-hauling vehicles creates a hazard for its residents, Beshear's office said. The new center will be located off Martin Luther King Boulevard and away from homes.

The CDBG program helps develop urban communities by providing annual grants to states, cities and counties. The Department for Local Government administers CDBG funds.