PADUCAH, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2019) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Department of Rural and Municipal Aid Commissioner Gray Tomblyn II attended today’s Grand Rivers City Council meeting to announce $148,650 in discretionary funds for a vital culvert repair project in Grand Rivers. The investment supports Governor Matt Bevin’s commitment to prioritize transportation infrastructure projects and increase economic opportunity in communities across the Commonwealth.
“The Bevin Administration continues to focus on maintaining important infrastructure at both the state and local level to support job creation and retention, as well as enhancing safety,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas. “This discretionary award builds upon existing transportation investments and allows the Cabinet to collaborate with local government agencies to identify projects that will have a significant impact on our infrastructure and in our communities.”
The $148,650 discretionary award will assist the city with repairs to a major drainage structure along John Henry O’Bryan Drive in Grand Rivers.
Grand Rivers Mayor Tom Moodie noted that the anticipated reopening of Patti’s Restaurant is expected to cause a resurgence of visitors, resulting in increased traffic along the city’s main thoroughfare.
“Patti’s is a destination point for over 500,000 visitors per year. Patti’s, paired with two full-service marinas that house over 1,500 boats, over 100 vacation rental homes, and shops throughout town, makes Grand Rivers a desired place for visitors and locals to be,” Mayor Moodie said.
In addition to improving safe access to attractions, Moodie said the culvert repair project will benefit all of the city’s 375 residents and 22 businesses.
“I want to express our appreciation and gratitude for these funds. I am very pleased with the interest in the small towns of Kentucky,” Moodie said. “The discretionary funds will greatly help the government entities for this part of the state, as well as the residents and business owners of the area. We love being able to help visitors enjoy our town as much as we do.”
Projects submitted to the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for discretionary fund consideration are evaluated by the KYTC district staff to assess the condition of roads and streets to determine the most critical needs based on factors such as safety, economic impact, and traffic volume.
“I’m pleased to see that our region has received funding for these much-needed road projects,” Sen. Robby Mills said. “I look forward to their completion knowing the community will benefit greatly from upgraded roadways.”
State Representative Lynn Bechler also expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided to Grand Rivers.
“Investing in infrastructure is critical for improving economic development and providing increased safety for our citizens,” Rep. Bechler said. “I want to thank Governor Bevin for making this investment in Grand Rivers and working with us to prioritize one of the most critical priorities of government; infrastructure.”
The City of Grand Rivers is responsible for completing the repairs and will be reimbursed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.