Bike path proposal revived
City will apply for federal funds for decade-old idea
By Ryan Clark
Enquirer staff writer
FORT THOMAS - Fort Thomas will apply for a federal grant to fund a nearly
decade-old idea to construct a bike path and pedestrian walkway stretching to
Bellevue.
The federal TEA 21 grant - also known as Transportation Enhancement Act
Renaissance funds - is paid through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and
could provide as much as $15 million for state projects.
Fort Thomas City Council members said Tuesday they want to renew interest in the
bike path idea.
City Administrator Jeff Earlywine said the project, originally devised in 1997,
calls for a bike path, just short of a mile in length, stretching from Clover
Ridge Avenue to Memorial Parkway, connecting Bellevue and Fort Thomas.
The city will file its intent by the end of the month, and within 10 days should
hear if the proposal made it to the next stage. Then the city will have about 45
days to submit the detailed plan before hearing if it is accepted.
Earlywine said he'd been told that the Transportation Cabinet will emphasize
bike path projects this year. He also said Bellevue officials support the
project.
It is unclear how much money the city will ask for in the request.
City Council had the same two concerns about the project as it did in 1997: the
speed limit of Memorial Parkway may have to be reduced from 45 mph and
guardrails, or some type of boundary, would have to be installed.
Still, council thought it was worthwhile to explore.
"There's free money out there and it's the first time in a long time," said
council member Thomas Lampe.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, council unanimously voted to increase fees for
emergency medical services.
The fees for services provided by the Fire Department have not been increased in
six years, Earlywine said.
The increases will affect basic life support (up from $300 to $500 per run) and
advanced life services, which would include a paramedic (from $525 to $700 per
run).
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