Government & Politics

WKMS News Preservation and Restoration Series

Many residents of the Four Rivers region devote their time to restoring and preserving our history. WKMS Reporters set out to meet some of those residents to produce the stories you'll find below. We get background on Kentucky's role in the forgotten war of 1812, then we meet a man who's devote much of his time to restoring honor by way of headstones to veterans of that war.Reporters Angela Hatton and Heidi Couch report on ways people in our region revert to the "old ways" to make sweet sorghum molasses and healthy teas and salves.Casey Northcutt and Shelly Baskin report on the little talked about history history of Burlesque and Moonshine.We also learn about ancient Native American Mounds in our region and how Murray State is preserving recorded conversations from nearly 45 years ago.

City of Paducah Considering Widening Renovation Grant for Downtown Buildings

WKMS | By Matt Markgraf

Published February 22, 2017 at 11:29 AM CST

Update: The measure passed.

Paducah’s city commissioners are considering widening a grant program to renovate the upper floors of the city’s downtown buildings. An amendment to the Upper Story Residential Grant Program is set for a vote on February 28.

A change to an ordinance designed for improving rental units could soon open up to owner-occupied units. City public information officer Pam Spencer says the change also includes new construction on vacant lots. Planning Director Steve Ervin said in a meeting Tuesday night that increasing upper story residences downtown could spur first floor commercial activity.

Financial assistance is provided for construction not exceeding 20% of the construction cost or a maximum of $15,000. The amendment expands grant eligibility to include assistance of either 15% of residential owner-occupied unit construction or a maximum of $15,000. The total grant funding pool has been $60,000.

The program is for buildings downtown primarily along Broadway. Applications are available in the city planning department.

More about the program (near the bottom of the page)