First Lady Jane Beshear announced a $50,000 Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant to the city of Trenton in Todd County.

“Recreational trails benefit our communities in many ways – they increase property values, aid in land conservation and help spur economic development,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This funding for a new trail project in Trenton is a valuable resource and will go a long way toward enhancing the quality of life in the community.”

Grant funding for this project in the city of Trenton will assist in the construction of a new concrete trail for walking, cycling and skating along US Highway 41. The new trail will be 5 feet in width and 3,000 feet in length, and will connect to an already existing one-mile trail in the area. The project funding will also provide retaining walls, a foot bridge, benches, garbage cans and signage to go along the newly constructed trail.

“I am glad that I was able to help obtain the funding for the Trenton Community Center,” said Sen. Pendleton. “This project will continue to enhance the quality of life of the residents of Trenton. I appreciate the First Lady’s interest and leadership in the promotion of recreational facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

“It is an honor to formally represent the City of Trenton today. The Trenton Community Center and the town’s walking trail will be significantly enhanced by means of this grant, and this will foster an improved quality of life for the citizens of Todd County,” said Rep. Martha Jane King. “I am thankful for the Governor and Mrs. Beshear’s leadership, and congratulate the Trenton Community Center.”

The RTP is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. Kentucky’s RTP grants are administered by the Department for Local Government and require that applicants match the amount of funds requested. The grants 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.

In August, Gov. Steve Beshear pledged his support for the RTP by signing a letter to U.S. Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood reaffirming Kentucky’s commitment to utilize RTP funds.