By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

Six Northern Kentucky cities have been awarded a total of $950,000 from the state for various street enhancement and restoration projects.

Bellevue, Covington, Newport, Falmouth, Gallatin and Williamstown will receive 9 percent of the $10.5 million disbursed this year statewide to communities in 49 counties. The money comes from the federal Transportation Enhancement Program, part of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century passed by Congress in 1998.

Each state awards the money to communities based on a competitive application process. Those that receive money provide matching funds of 20 percent.

"The exciting part is that we got it two years in a row, and everybody tries for this money," said Diane Collins, Bellevue's downtown coordinator/historic preservation officer. "Bellevue became a city in 1870 and it needs a facelift."

Bellevue received $250,000 last year and $200,000 this year. Collins said this year's money will be used as a continuation of a master plan that is being developed with last year's funds, which will include new lampposts, benches, flowerpots and sidewalk repairs along Fairfield Avenue.

Newport received $300,000 this year to go with $550,000 it was awarded last year.

Part of last year's funds went toward the construction of stairs and a ramp from the Newport Aquarium to Riverboat Row. The remainder of that money, along with this year's award, will be used for construction of a river wall and river walk in the area of the aquarium and Newport on the Levee.

"It's really important to the city to get this money to at least begin the phasing in of a gateway to Northern Kentucky," said Newport City Manager Phil Ciafardini.

Rep. Jim Callahan of Wilder helped promote the applications of Bellevue and Newport.

"We're very happy to get it two years in a row. Obviously, a lot of cities deserve it," said Callahan. "Probably about 21/2 times the number of cities that receive money get turned down."

Covington was awarded $15,000 to restore an historic stone wall near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Falmouth will receive $200,000 for signs, streetlights, replacement of sidewalks, burial of utilities and removal of coal chutes.

Gallatin will get $35,000 for improvements to the Ohio Riverbend Overlook.

And Williamstown will use its $200,000 award to relocate overhead utilities, install of sidewalks and put more streetlights on U.S. 25.

E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com