Recreational Needs Abound in the Bluegrass Despite Steep Competition for Funds
Many federal programs have decreased funding in recent years, and this holds true in the areas of parks and recreation. This continual decrease makes the funding available to the State of Kentucky minimal, and therefore, hinders recreational development. Even with the reduced funding over the years, needs in Central Kentucky have not diminished. ADD staff has spent the past few months feverishly working to submit applications for a number of programs on behalf of local communities. Two of those programs have now closed their funding cycles and will be reviewing the high volume of applications they received during the open window. The Recreational Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund programs allow monies for recreational development, which is of prime importance to the region...

Judge Wilder Appointed Commissioner of GOLD
Boyle County Judge/Executive Tony Wilder has been appointed by Gov. Beshear as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD). On April 16, he will replace Jim Cauley, the Governor’s chief of staff, who has been acting commissioner since January. Judge Wilder stated he would resign as Judge/Executive on March 14. The Governor will then name a replacement for that position. Judge Wilder has served as Judge/Executive since 1993. He previously served as Boyle County Circuit Clerk from 1988-1993. Judge Wilder was also Chairman of the ADD Board of Directors, 2004-2006.Congratulations go to him on his new position.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Issues Recommended Highway Plan
The 2008 Recommended Highway Plan, which contains all proposed Kentucky transportation projects through 2014, was presented recently to members of the General Assembly and the public by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The recommended plan anticipates that $5.3 billion in state and federal funding will be available over the upcoming six-year period – $1.03 billion less than the basis for the last plan, which was issued in 2006. The new plan anticipates “zero dollars” for new, state-funded projects until late in fiscal 2010...