Town Branch Commons, an ambitious plan to recover Lexington’s founding waterway and create a state-of-the-art linear urban parkway, received a $3.2 million boost from grant funding.
Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen appeared Monday with Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Jeff Fugate, president of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, and others to present the money, which is funded through a federal air quality program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
“The Town Branch Commons linear park will promote alternative transportation by attracting droves of runners, walkers and bicyclists,” Luallen said in a statement. “It will yield the added benefit of outdoor recreation and exercise, all of which promotes cleaner air, better public health in general, environmental awareness, tourism and business. It will be an invaluable asset for Lexington and the greater community – not just today but for generations to come.”
The funding is earmarked for the Town Branch Commons-Midland Section, a half-mile stretch of Midland Avenue between Main and Third Streets. The money will pay for the “design and construction of the 12-foot-wide, multi-use trail.” The section is part of longer trail with plans eventually to connect with the Legacy Trail and Town Branch Trail.
“Great cities have great parks,” Fugate said. “Lexington should be no exception.”
Fugate called the plan “ a big idea, but a simple one: Bring a ribbon of the Bluegrass through the heart of Lexington in the form of trails, parks, and water.”
Gray emphasized the economic benefits.
“It is both a bridge to our authentic history, and an inflection point that will redefine our future, improving our quality of life and growing economic vitality,” he said.