FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 13, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded more than $2.7 million in funding for city parks and trails, tourism and local nonprofits in Franklin County and presented the largest-ever payment in lieu of taxes to the capital city.
“These awards help improve public spaces where families can enjoy time together outside, which helps to enhance the overall quality of life for families in Franklin County,” Gov. Beshear said. “The City of Frankfort also provides law enforcement, fire protection, emergency services and more for thousands of state employees – and today I am proud to announce the largest ever payment in lieu of taxes to support our capital city.”
“We thank Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for their continued investment in our capital city,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “We are particularly grateful for the payment in lieu of taxes funds that will help ensure our public safety and emergency management teams have the proper resources to meet the current needs of state government. In total, the awards announced today touch every aspect of life for our citizens and are vital to ensuring our community comes out of the pandemic stronger than ever.”
“I am glad to join fellow elected officials and bring attention to projects and efforts here in Franklin County that will directly benefit our constituents,” said Sen. Gex Williams of Verona. “I’m proud to be among and serve within the governmental body that advocated for the holistic good of Kentuckians and went to bat for small businesses, our tourism industry and respected taxpayer dollars by wisely investing the funds taxpayers entrusted to us.”
“I’m really pleased to see these projects obtain funding, and I have no doubt each grant recipient will put it to good use,” said Rep. Derrick Graham of Frankfort. “I want to thank my fellow legislators and Gov. Beshear alike for their support, and it means a lot to have our community highlighted during today’s Capitol Rotunda event.”
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Gov. Beshear said he has recommended that the City of Frankfort receive a $150,000 grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund for improvements at East Frankfort Park. The city will add a basketball court in place of the old volleyball court and add two tennis courts, three pickleball courts, new lighting and sidewalks/ADA accessibility enhancements.
To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
Recreational Trails Program
Gov. Beshear has also recommended that the City of Frankfort receive funding from the federal Recreational Trails Program for the Schnekel Lane Shared-Use Path, to be constructed between Bypass Plaza Drive and Northwood Road. The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, and each project must receive clearance from the agency.
Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded $275,933 to the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission to support travel marketing and promotion. Click here to read statements from local tourism leaders. The award is part of the $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor in July to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the pandemic. The funds are distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.
“I’m pleased with today’s announcement of funding for tourism marketing, nonprofits and East Frankfort Park in Franklin County, and I look forward to the opportunity to welcome more people to visit Frankfort, our capital city,” said Rep. Daniel Fister of Versailles. “During the 2022 Regular Session, the legislature appropriated $75 million to support tourism recovery and investment in local communities. We understand the vital role that tourism plays to the local economy.”
Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Gov. Beshear awarded more than $1.5 million to 23 local nonprofits in Franklin County. The awards come from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which is helping organizations across Kentucky recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The funding comes from ARPA, and Gov. Beshear supported the allocation of funds by the 2022 General Assembly. This funding will provide one-time direct relief payments to support the mission and long-term sustainability of each eligible nonprofit. To view a complete list of Franklin County awards, click here, and click here for statements from recipients.
Largest Ever Payment in Lieu of Taxes
Beginning in 1975, the commonwealth began providing the city with a payment in lieu of taxes, since property taxes are not assessed on the land owned and occupied by the state in Frankfort. The initial 1975 payment was $150,000 to purchase a fire truck. In 1976, the state legislature passed a statute related to this payment, which is now KRS 45.021. After more than 20 years without a funding increase, Gov. Beshear was able to secure $846,000 through the state budget process to ensure the city is reimbursed for its expenses on behalf of state government buildings and employees.
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