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PIKEVILLE, KY, July 6 – Today, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced over $2.3 million in investments to help construct a new senior center, provide clean drinking water and improve recreational spaces in Pike County.

“All of these projects will make the lives of Pike County residents better,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are supporting communities all across the commonwealth, and today’s funding will help Eastern Kentucky for generations to come.”

Earlier in the day, Gov. Beshear announced his recommendation that the Appalachian Regional Commission approve a $780,444 grant to the center. If approved, the funding would provide educational equipment and materials for a nursing training complex at the Pikeville Medical Center. The grant would assure the complex has adequate classroom equipment and fixtures, science lab equipment and simulation lab equipment.

Gov. Beshear presented $1 million to Pike County in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to construct a new senior center at 134 Bank Street in Pikeville. The current Pikeville Senior Center closed due to structural cracks and movement in the building’s foundation. The new senior center will be accessible to everyone and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and will include a modern HVAC system.

“The federal funding for the Pike County Senior Citizens Program is based largely on attendance,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Ray Jones. “When the Pikeville Senior Center closed due to structural issues, it put the entire program in jeopardy and risked the closure of other centers due to the fact that the Pikeville center was the most heavily attended of all the centers. Thanks to Gov. Beshear, Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins and Commissioner Dennis Keene’s assistance in obtaining this grant, we will be able to construct a new center for our residents. This will ensure that federal funding for the program is not put at risk.”

The senior services have been eliminated at the current center due to the closure of the building. The construction of a new facility will allow the county to serve elderly residents in a safer and healthier environment.

The funding is administered by the Department for Local Government.

Gov. Beshear presented $708,826 in Cleaner Water Program funding to the Mountain Water District, which serves Pike County residents. The funding will allow for the installation of over 50,000 feet of waterline and will supply clean drinking water to 125 new residential customers and one newly constructed mining facility. The project will provide an updated and dependable water supply for the community.

“The Brushy Sycamore Water Line Extension is a highly anticipated project that will provide clean water service to approximately 125 residents who have never had access to public water service,” said Roy Sawyers, manager of the Mountain Water District. “This project will consist of the installation of approximately 10 miles of waterline to reach these residents with essential water service. Now, more than ever, access to clean water service is of the highest priority for Kentuckians, and the Mountain Water District would like to sincerely thank Gov. Beshear for all he has done to aid in the provision of this essential service to unserved residents and citizens of Pike County.”

Mr. Sawyers went on to say, “This is the second time Gov. Beshear has been here this year to award the Mountain Water District with funding to provide upgraded water infrastructure and clean water service to those who have never experienced having clean water available in their homes. With the aid of Gov. Beshear and this funding from the Cleaner Water Project through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Mountain Water District is anxious to get this project underway and to finally have the ability to provide essential water service to the residents of the Brushy and Sycamore areas of Pike County.”

The funding is administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.

Gov. Beshear awarded a $358,035 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to Breaks Interstate Park. The ARC funds will be used to enhance the recreational Ratliff Hole Area, in Pike County, which is less than 0.2 miles away from a future pedestrian suspension bridge. This project will provide a trail connection between the bridge and the Ratliff Hole Area and upgrade the existing hospitality and parking facilities. The facilities serve swimmers and kayakers who use the Russell Fork River and have not been updated since 1990.

“The Breaks Interstate Park Commission has been engaged in an ongoing effort to expand our offerings on the Pike County portion of park property,” said Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “To that end, we have secured over $1 million in funding for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Russell Fork River, which will serve as a spectacular new trailhead for the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail.”

The funding is administered by the Department for Local Government.

Gov. Beshear awarded $201,747 to the City of Pikeville to improve pedestrian safety along a busy intersection from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The project will add a new crosswalk at the intersection of KY 3496 (Baird Avenue) and South Mayo Trail (KY 1426). New raised concrete medians and ADA-compliant ramps will be installed. The ramps will feature tactile warning surfaces to help people with physical limitations cross safely. Also, increased signage will help alert drivers of pedestrians. Once complete, residents will be able to safely cross the intersection to walk to work, restaurants and medical offices. Walkable cities support positive health outcomes, reduced vehicle emissions and spur tourism.

The funding is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Gov. Beshear presented a $125,000 ceremonial check to Pikeville for upgrades to Bob Amos Park. This project was selected by Gov. Beshear to receive funding from the Recreational Trails Program. Funding will go toward resurfacing the multi-use trail at the park. The upgrades will improve erosion and drainage issues along the trail and make Bob Amos Park more accessible.

“The City of Pikeville is very appreciative of the Recreational Trails Program grant, which will allow the city to resurface the multi-use trail at Bob Amos Park and make drainage improvements,” said Pikeville Mayor Carter. “While the City of Pikeville is working diligently to expand outdoor recreation options including expanding the trail system by several miles, this project upgrades one of our most popular trails. This grant will allow the city to make the multi-use trail more accessible for a variety of activities.”

The funding is administered by the Department for Local Government.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

The Cleaner Water Program in 2021, $250 million was allocated to fund projects across Kentucky. Eligible government agencies, such as city-owned water or sewer utilities, water commissions, water and sewer districts and counties, collaborated with their local Area Development Districts and Area Water Management Councils to submit projects for Cleaner Water Program funding.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federally funded reimbursement program administered through KYTC’s Office of Local Programs. Funding supports non-motorized forms of transportation to improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities. Transportation projects commonly include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, ADA compliance, safe routes to school and wildlife mitigation. The program covers 80% of the project cost.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is funded by the Federal Highway Administration. It can be used to provide assistance for the acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. All trails that have received FHWA funding must remain open to the public and be maintained for perpetuity. To receive funding, selected applicants must still undergo an environmental review and receive clearance from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and approval by the FHWA.