$1 million is going to be injected into the infrastructure of Newport – which will be used to improve streets, install new playground equipment at two city parks and enhance sidewalks along Monmouth and Third streets.
On Tuesday night, the Newport City Commission approved plans to spend $1 million, including more than $600,000 of federal funds.
“Leveraging federal and state funds are an excellent way to improve safety, transportation, walkability and recreation in Newport,” said Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli, Jr. “These projects will bring outstanding improvements and enhancements to our streets and to two of our neighborhoods.”
Playground Improvements
New playground equipment will be installed at Buena Vista Park, located on W. 12th Street in the westside of Newport. Equipment will also be installed at the Ralph Mussman Recreation Complex, which is adjacent to Newport High School on the city’s eastside.
The equipment is expected to be installed within three months.
Sidewalk Improvements
Commissioners approved improving sidewalks along two major thoroughfares:
Both sides of Monmouth Street between Third and Eighth streets.
The south side of Third Street from York Street to Washington Avenue.
Existing brick pavers are going to be replaced with stamped/colored concrete through the $660,000 project, which includes $528,000 in federal funding with a $132,000 match in city funds. The contract for the project is slated to be awarded at a later date.
The federal grant was awarded through the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments, which oversees and allocates federal transportation funding throughout the region.
“This has been an excellent partnership for many years and has resulted in projects to improve safety and transportation, including the projects announced tonight as well as funding for improvements to Festival Park, enhancing the Monmouth Street underpass, the reconstruction and redirection of Carothers Road, the South U.S. 27 Improvement Plan and many others,” said Commissioner Beth Fennell, Newport’s OKI representative. “It is the kind of relationship that helps keep our city safe.”
Street Resurfacing
Fourth Street from Washington Avenue to Monmouth Street and Gugel Alley from Sixth Street to Eight Street will be resurfaced. The contracts totaling $232,138 were awarded to Paul Michels & Sons Construction for work that will include installing new concrete paving.
Residents living on the streets will be notified prior to the work beginning later this fall. Information and the schedule will also be posted on the city’s social media platforms.
