Update: Ky. Transportation Cabinet announces funding for Corbin sidewalks

The city of Corbin is getting over $160,000 worth of improved sidewalks thanks to funding announced Wednesday by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Rural and Municipal Aid Commissioner Gray Tomblyn II shakes hands with Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus Wednesday afternoon after announcing that the city is receiving $164,800 in discretionary road aid money.

Department of Rural and Municipal Aid Commissioner Gray Tomblyn II traveled to Corbin City Hall Wednesday where he announced the awarding of $164,800 in discretionary road aid funds, which will be used for two sidewalk projects.

The city will receive $79,800 to replace and improve sidewalks on both sides of Gordon Hill between Poplar Street and Blair Park Condominiums.

The city is receiving another $85,000 to replace and improve sidewalks along Wilson Street, which is in front of Rotary Park, between Barbourville Street and Hamlin Street.

Weather permitting, the city hopes to complete the sidewalk work before winter, and if not, then first thing this spring.

The investment supports Gov. Matt Bevin’s commitment to prioritize transportation infrastructure projects and increase economic opportunity across the Commonwealth.

“The Bevin Administration continues to focus on taking care of what we have at both the state and local level to address critical infrastructure needs that improve safety and support job creation and retention,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas. “This funding builds upon existing transportation investments and allows the Cabinet to collaborate with local governments to identify projects that will have a large impact in communities.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus identified these sidewalks as being among the most critical in the city.

“The city of Corbin is so appreciative of Gov. Bevin and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the allocation to improve two sidewalks in heavily trafficked locations in town,” said Mayor Razmus. “Our Rotary Park sidewalk will now be handicap accessible for families and friends to safely visit the park and our Gordon Hill sidewalk will become a safe and beautiful route to enjoy physical activity. With these monies, our community gains the ability to safely enjoy the outdoors while improving their health. Thank you again.”

Projects submitted to the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for discretionary fund consideration were evaluated by the KYTC district staff to assess the condition of roads and determine the most critical needs based on factors such as safety, economic impact, and traffic volumes.

“I’m pleased to see that Corbin has received funding for these much-needed repairs,” said Sen. Albert Robinson. “This community will benefit greatly knowing its pedestrians can safely travel the city’s public walkways.”

Sen. Robert Stivers also mentioned the benefit of the upcoming project.

“This is great news for the people of Corbin,” said Sen. Stivers. “This will certainly benefit the community by ensuring that it has safe and dependable sidewalks for its citizens. I’d like to thank the Governor for working with the General Assembly to ensure we have funding for these types of repairs throughout the state.”

The sidewalk replacement will widen the sidewalk and will be ADA accessible. Improvements will benefit a park area that is used daily.

“This announcement is terrific news for Corbin, as new sidewalks will enhance the visual appeal of the community while providing safe walking routes for our citizens,” said Rep. Regina Huff. “I want to thank the Governor and Transportation Cabinet for using this money, which we appropriated in the current road plan, to make commonsense improvements to our streets.”

The Corbin City Commission is responsible for administering the work on Gordon Hill, and KYTC will reimburse the city for the projects.

The sidewalk replacement on Gordon Hill (KY 312) will be 0.252 miles in length.

The sidewalk replacement on Wilson Street (City Street 2041) will be 0.270 miles in length.