NEWS RELEASE

Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear surprised Judge-Executive Trille Bottom by awarding Boyle County with a grant from the Transportation Alternatives Program, commonly called TAP. The grant, submitted by Boyle County Fiscal Court on behalf of the City of Perryville will mitigate the damaging water runoff that could permanently damage Merchant’s Row.

Judge Bottom explains, “This grant will mitigate flood water runoff on US 68 S. Buell Street, in historic downtown Perryville Kentucky. Merchants Row is one of our Nation’s last intact Civil War Era business districts, and one of Kentucky’s most historic downtowns. Without these funds, we risk damage beyond repair.”

Merchant’s Row sits at a lower elevation than the road. Rainwater naturally falls toward the lower elevation and pools at the front facades of businesses and in doorsteps of these properties.

“When my staff brought the grant to my attention, Perryville’s Merchant Row immediately came to mind. For years I have watched water rushing down Buell Street with no place to go and I knew that we needed to try and help alleviate the nuisance flooding. It is long past time to do something,” said Judge Bottom, who added, “I am grateful that Governor Beshear understands the importance of Perryville and awarded us the funds to protect our historic community.”

Main Street Director Aly Huff said, “I am beyond thrilled to learn that Judge Bottom and the County submitted this grant on our behalf. We desperately need to resolve the water runoff. Water is damaging the foundations, sidewalks and building support. Not to mention customers and visitors having to walk through standing water when visiting Perryville’s historic business district, especially during a rainstorm.”

First District Magistrate Tom Ellis was overjoyed when he learned that the grant application was successful.  “I have walked the area several times with Transportation officials advocating for help with this problem.  The asphalt has built up over decades as the road was paved.  It’s a unique problem, one that has been difficult to find a solution. It’s a relief to know that funds are now available to fix this before the damage is beyond repair.”

Governor Beshear awarded grants totaling around $4.8 million in transportation funding to improve non-motorized transportation in five Kentucky counties. The awards include:

• $2,318,400 to Scott County.

• $1,378,400 to the City of London.

• $576,000 to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

• $376,609 to the City of Greensburg; and

• $170,554 to Boyle County.

The federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for surface transportation projects such as on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation, and safe routes to school projects.