FRANKFORT, KY – January 12, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo joined state and local officials in Warsaw today to announce funding for community investments in Gallatin County.
Lt. Gov. Mongiardo presented a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the Gallatin County Fiscal Court for the construction of a new health department; a $500,000 Kentucky Infrastructure Authority grant to the City of Warsaw for a sewer line extension project; and a $163,000 Safe Routes to School grant, funded by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, to the Gallatin County Board of Education for a sidewalk and bike path project.
“These grants are all excellent examples of state government and local officials working together to accomplish much needed results for the people of Warsaw and Gallatin County now and for future generations,” said Gallatin County Judge Executive Kenny French. “I appreciate the support of this administration and we are honored to have Lt. Gov. Mongiardo with us today.”
“Although our state is currently struggling with a financial crisis, we must continue to invest in our citizens and the communities in which they live,” said Lt. Gov. Mongiardo. “I’m pleased to be here today to announce three very important grants to this community and to recognize the hard work of the local officials as they continue to move Warsaw and Gallatin County forward.”
The CDBG award, in addition to other state and local funds, will be used to construct a centrally located 4,950 sq ft health department. The new building will more than triple the size of the existing one and will include additional exam rooms, registration and waiting areas, offices and a lab. The significant increase in the facility’s size will allow for more health services and educational classes for the community.
Gallatin County Fiscal Court donated the land for the proposed construction site so that the health department will no longer have to pay rent as it does now. According to Judge/Executive Kenny French, this savings will help keep down the costs of services.
Kentucky’s CDBG program is managed by the Department for Local Government and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The state’s U. S. Congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program ensures the availability of funding in Kentucky and nationally.
Lt. Gov. Mongiardo presented the City of Warsaw with a $500,000 Kentucky Infrastructure Authority grant for a sewer line extension project involving the Scenic View subdivision.
This project will increase the capacity of the wastewater plant to accommodate new industry and population growth. The project will remove and replace 8″ collection sewer, provide telemetry to existing and proposed pump station.
Safe Routes to School
Lt. Gov. Mongiardo also presented a ceremonial check to the Gallatin County Board of Education representing a $163,000 Safe Routes to School award. The funding will improve pedestrian access to four Gallatin County schools.
“Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Mongiardo. “With nearly 30 percent of Kentuckians overweight, we need to encourage our children to practice healthy living early. This award will provide a safe, healthy route to school.”
The Gallatin County schools’ sidewalk and bike path project encourages students to walk or bike to four schools: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Gallatin County Middle and High schools. The funding will include three sidewalk paths to link Dorman Drive/Asbury Point, Center Avenue/Parkside Apartments and Boaz Drive/Gallatin County Elementary to each of the schools and US 42. In addition, this project will link the school campus to the county park, which is used for physical activity.
“This project is an example of how the Safe Routes program can be used to improve safety and mobility for Kentuckians who prefer to walk and bike in their communities,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather.
Safe Routes to School projects are designed to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to walk or ride bicycles to school – getting exercise and reducing motor vehicle traffic at the same time. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet administers both programs in Kentucky.
Information about the Safe Routes program in Kentucky is available at http://www.saferoutes.ky.gov.
