PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Prestonsburg and Paintsville are among Kentucky communities receiving funding for pedestrian and transportation improvements.

Prestonsburg was awarded $976,000 to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the Passage Rail Trail with the Middle Creek National Battlefield.

The project will create a safer link between Prestonsburg, the battlefield and the community of David while closing a gap in the existing trail network.

Paintsville was awarded $235,132 for the Court Street Public Safety Sidewalk project.

The money comes through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, which supports bicycle and pedestrian pathways, accessibility improvements and other transportation safety projects.

The two Eastern Kentucky projects were included in more than $18.8 million awarded for 18 projects across the state.