The cities of Morganfield and Sturgis have been awarded grants for recreational trail projects.
Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear announced yesterday nearly $1.3 million in 2015 Recreational Trial Program, or RTP, grants to develop and maintain trail projects throughout Kentucky.
The cities of Morganfield and Sturgis were among 25 RTP grant recipients in the Commonwealth. The City of Morganfield was awarded $50,000 for the Morganfield City Park Walking Trail Enhancement Project, and the City of Sturgis was awarded $5,301 for the Sturgis Walking Trail Enhancement Project.
The RTP grants, according to a release, may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements; development and/or maintenance of recreational trails; and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, cycling, inline skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.
Since 2008, Lady Beshear has been a leader in improving and promoting adventure tourism across the state, and her husband, Governor Beshear, has been a strong supporter for the RTP.
The RTP is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, and Kentucky’s RTP is administered by the Department for Local Government that requires that non-motorized trail applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive 50 percent reimbursement on approved projects. Officials indicate motorized trail applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive an 80 percent reimbursement. Those eligible to apply include city and county governments and state and federal agencies.