News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston has been awarded a Traffic Signal Modernization Grant of some $150,000 to install pedestrian traffic signals downtown.
Livingston Fire Chief and Traffic Control Supervisor Rocky Dial said with the downtown square becoming more popular, these signals will create a safer environment. He said the grant includes funds for a cabinet with a controller for the signals and signals at each of the three crosswalks in the downtown square. Mayor Curtis Hayes said the project comes at no cost to the city.
“This is a good shot, major shot in the arm for our downtown, simply because they have asked us about pedestrian signals for quite some time, but the expense has always been an issue with it,” Hayes said.
Dial said pedestrians will push a button, wait for the light to stop traffic, and safely cross. The signals will include a beeping sound for the hearing-impaired, Dial said.
“Especially with the elderly and stuff, it’s just going to give them a little bit more time to cross the street, versus now, where they may not have enough time to cross the street,” Dial said.
He said the city has been looking for grant opportunities to get this done for some three years.
In other business, the board approved a resolution to appoint members of the new five-person Airport Board. The board will include Mayor Curtis Hayes, Pilot Jason Copeland, County Executive Steven Barlow, Airport Chairman Jason Duke, and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shannon Cantrell. Duke said the board is the same group as the airport committee with the same responsibilities, this just formalizes it.
“It’ll be five-year terms because you can’t get anything done for an airport fast,” Duke said. “And then up to four consecutive terms max, and then if anyone retires or changes positions, then the aldermen would select the replacement.”
The board also approved the Downtown Revitalization Committee’s capital budget. The funds come from a Courthouse Enhancement Grant and are based on sales tax generated around the block where the courthouse is located.
