Governor Andy Beshear announced a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to benefit Eastern Kentucky University and the City of Richmond.
The $369,200 grant involves constructing a six-foot wide concrete sidewalk on the south side of Summit Street from Madison Avenue to the corner of University Drive, adding striped crosswalks and ADA-compliant ramps at intersections. Lighting will also increase visibility in the area.
“Ensuring that our faculty, staff, students and campus guests have safe and accessible walkways to and from campus is a priority for EKU,” said President David McFaddin. “Partnerships are what make projects like this happen and I am appreciative of the collaboration between the city of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to bring this project to fruition.”
Beshear said investing in education and infrastructure are important goals for his administration.
“This project helps protect our people and students and faculty at EKU,” Beshear said during the check presentation to EKU and the city of Richmond. “On top of that, it’s going to help people be healthy and benefit the environment by providing an easy way to get to and from campus without needing to take a bus or car.”
Bidding on the project will begin in the next few months with construction beginning toward the end of the fall 2022 semester.