FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Johnson County has been awarded $4.7 million in federal grant funding to create a new pedestrian shared use path project along KY Route 321 connecting downtown Paintsville to the shopping plaza areas and schools.

Gov. Beshear presented the funding to Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie last week.

The 0.9 mile, 8-foot wide, paved and lighted path will begin near 123 Café and the bridge to Paul B. Hall and stretch to Mayo Plaza.

“Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for supporting us and showing what can happen in our communities,” said Judge McKenzie. “Our goal every day is to strive to improve the quality of life for our residents. And this project represents a tremendous step forward in our community’s infrastructure, connectivity and safety.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet administers the federally funded Transportation Alternatives Program. The program supports non-motorized forms of transportation to improve connectivity, accessibility, safety and equity in communities.