Yahoo Falls paving project set

McCreary County Judge Executive Doug Stephens announced Tuesday that plans are underway to pave the access road and parking areas at Yahoo Falls later this year.
Stephens applied for a grant to do the project through the Federal Land Access program to seek funding to pave the roadway, parking and access areas at Yahoo Falls to improve accessibility and comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The initial projected cost of the project came in at approximately $164,000, with the County contributing about $34,000 of the total as a match.
One of the stipulations required oversight by a State Transportation Official, and in the process of getting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to sign off on the project the project took on a new shape.

While examining the documentation, Stephens said the state officials offered to assume leadership on the project. In doing so, a second estimate was sought, which increased the cost by about $30,000, for which the County would be responsible.

Further discussions with state officials led to the Transportation Cabinet taking over the matching funding, meaning no county funds will be expended on the project.

“It is a very good thing for our county,” Stephens said. “It is a hot spot for tourists, and any way we can improve accessibility will not only benefit our citizens, but guests to our county as well.”