HB 501 delivers $100K for Newport’s General James Taylor Park trail 2026

Key Points

• Newport has received a $100,000 grant for the development of a multi-use pathway in General James Taylor Park.
• The grant is provided under Kentucky House Bill 501 that funds pedestrian pathway projects in county seats.
• There are two eligible county seats in Campbell County, namely, Newport and Alexandria, both of which can qualify for the full grant.
• Josh Tunning from Newport Municipality worked with David Plummer of Alexandria City in applying for the grant.
• The grant would facilitate the construction of the multi-use pathway as part of the park redevelopment worth $7.5 million.
• Work on the redevelopment of General James Taylor Park started in July 2026.

Newport (Wales Times) September 30, 2026 – It has secured a $100,000 state grant to fund a multi-use path as part of the ongoing General James Taylor Park redevelopment, city officials confirmed on Tuesday. The award, made available through Kentucky House Bill 501, is designated for pedestrian and pathway infrastructure in county seat municipalities.

How much funding did Newport receive for General James Taylor Park?

uk/local/newport/">Newport received exactly $100,000 through the HB 501 grant programme, according to municipal records reviewed by LINK nky. The sum will be applied directly to the construction of a new multi-use pathway within the park grounds, a component of the broader $7.5 million capital improvement initiative approved by state lawmakers in 2024.

What is House Bill 501 and how does it support Newport?

House Bill 501 establishes a funding mechanism that permits county seats in Kentucky to apply for financial assistance aimed at specific road and pedestrian pathway projects. Campbell County maintains two designated county seats Newport and Alexandria and under the legislation both municipalities qualify for the full $100,000 allocation. Newport Municipal Specialist Josh Tunning said he collaborated closely with Alexandria City Administrator David Plummer throughout the application process to ensure compliance and maximise the opportunity for both jurisdictions.

Which part of General James Taylor Park will the grant support?

The newly awarded funds are earmarked specifically for a multi-use pathway, a paved corridor intended for pedestrians and cyclists within General James Taylor Park. As reported by Jackson Curry of LINK nky, Tunning stated: “Looking at some of the projects we could apply for, James Taylor Park, which is a huge $7.5 million project where every penny counts… We’re building a brand-new multi-use pathway down there, and we thought this was the perfect opportunity to use that funding for.” The pathway forms part of Phase 6 of The Riverwalk, which will extend a continuous paved trail through the park, along the Licking River, and connect to The Levee Trail, Ovation by Corporex, and the 4th Street Bridge.

When did construction at General James Taylor Park begin?

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the General James Taylor Park redevelopment were held on Monday, 20 July 2026, marking the official start of construction. As covered by WVXU, long-awaited renovations commenced that week, with city officials projecting public access by the end of 2026. The park, located at 100 Riverboat Row, is undergoing extensive upgrades that include expanded green space, walking and biking paths, pickleball courts, a dog park, a performance plaza, a kayak launch and a scenic overlook.

How does this grant fit into the larger park investment?

The $100,000 HB 501 grant supplements the $7.5 million legislative appropriation that underwrites the majority of the General James Taylor Park transformation. In addition to state budget funds, Newport has pursued supplementary grants to enhance environmental and recreational features. According to prior LINK nky reporting, the city secured a $215,000 grant from the Kentucky Division of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service to convert hardscapes into green space and plant trees, plus a separate $40,000 award for additional tree planting within the park. Newport also previously obtained a National Park Service grant to support planning and community engagement for riverfront parks.

Who are the key officials involved in securing the grant?

Josh Tunning, Newport’s Municipal Specialist, led the city’s application efforts for the HB 501 funding and coordinated with counterpart officials in Alexandria. Tunning worked alongside David Plummer, Alexandria’s City Administrator, to navigate eligibility requirements and submission protocols under the county seat provision of the bill. The collaborative approach ensured both Campbell County seats could access the full grant amount available to each.

What amenities will the redeveloped park include?

General James Taylor Park’s final design encompasses a wide array of recreational and community facilities. Planned features include expanded green spaces, dedicated walking and biking paths, pickleball courts, a dog park, a performance plaza, a kayak launch and a brand-new scenic overlook. The multi-use path funded by the HB 501 grant will integrate into this network, supporting active transportation and leisure use along the riverfront. Both the park and The Riverwalk are components of the larger Riverfront Commons project, which seeks to link Northern Kentucky’s river cities via a continuous 20-mile trail system.

Background of the General James Taylor Park development

The General James Taylor Park initiative originated as part of a multi-year effort to revitalise Newport’s riverfront and connect it to regional trail networks. In 2024, Kentucky lawmakers approved $7.5 million in state budget funding distributed through the Campbell County Fiscal Court specifically for the park’s redevelopment. The city announced in August 2025 that it would proceed with the improvements, and formal construction began in July 2026. The project aligns with broader Riverfront Commons objectives and complements earlier planning grants from the National Park Service and forestry-related awards for tree canopy expansion.

Prediction: How might this development affect Newport residents and visitors?

The completion of General James Taylor Park, supported by the latest $100,000 pathway grant, is likely to increase foot traffic, recreational usage and economic activity along Newport’s riverfront. Enhanced connectivity via Phase 6 of The Riverwalk may encourage more residents to walk or cycle between downtown Newport, The Levee entertainment district and neighbouring communities, potentially boosting local businesses and property values. For visitors, the expanded amenities including the scenic overlook, kayak launch and performance plaza could position the park as a regional destination, drawing tourists from across Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area. Over time, the integrated trail system may also support public health initiatives by providing safe, accessible routes for daily exercise and commuting.