Fiscal Court approves EDA application for transportation-planning grant for Reading Track area

The Boyle County Fiscal Court on Sept. 23 authorized the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to apply for federal transportation-planning funds to study how proposed development of the Reading Track and adjacent parcels could affect traffic on the bypass and Perryville Road.

A representative filling in for the EDA explained the grant is administered through a Federal Highway Administration program and can range from $250,000 up to $1.5 million depending on the scope of the study. The county will not be required to provide a local match for the planning grant, the representative said.

Why it matters: the Reading Track area contains one of the last large developable tracts adjacent to the bypass. The planning study could identify needs for road improvements, alternate access, drainage and multi-modal elements (sidewalks and trails), and could make the project more competitive for additional funding to offset construction costs.

Key details - The EDA asked the court to approve submission of a transportation-planning grant application; the court authorized the EDA to apply for as much funding as feasible. - There is no local match required for the planning grant as described by the EDA representative. - The court asked the EDA to include language authorizing the judge-executive to sign necessary paperwork for the application.

Voices - EDA representative (Josh Morgan absent): explained the scope of the potential study and grant range. - Magistrates: emphasized the benefits of coordinated planning for roads, drainage and amenities and the existence of a 15-acre lake in the project area that could be an asset.

Ending The court approved the EDA's request and authorized the judge-executive to sign pertinent application documents so the EDA can submit the planning grant.