Chris Hayes, left, a loss control consultant with the Kentucky League of Cities, presents a $3,000 liability grant check to City of Somerset Safety Director Marc Travis. The funds helped repair city sidewalks.
Program funds projects that improve safety and reduce liability
The City of Somerset has received another $3,000 liability grant from the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) to support safety and risk-reduction efforts. This time, the funds helped protect residents from trip hazards along city sidewalks.
The city repaired more than 660 lineal feet of sidewalk this year in its seventh phase of repairs. Cracks or missing pieces of concrete were repaired in areas along the following streets: College Street, North Central Avenue, South Central Avenue (from Mt. Vernon to Cotter), Oak Street (from College to Main), South Main Street (from the square to the public library), West Market Street (from Main to Vine), North Maple Street (from Mt. Vernon to Oak), and West Columbia Street (from Maple to North Vine).
KLC Insurance makes funds available to liability members for various expenses that improve safety and reduce liability. Expenses covered this year included more than two dozen categories, such as defensive driver training, telematic systems, backup cameras, body cameras, playground equipment, sidewalk replacements, and more.
City of Somerset Safety Director Marc Travis said the city applies for a liability grant every year. Funds have been used in the past to purchase gun safes for the police department, radio read meters, and cameras for the wastewater treatment plant.
“We’re grateful for KLC’s continued investment in the safety of our community,” Travis said.
“Whether sidewalk repairs, equipment upgrades, or improvements to public facilities, these liability grants help us fund important projects that proactively reduce risk and create a safer environment for our residents and employees.”
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck also shared his gratitude to KLC for its commitment to helping cities improve safety and quality of life.
“Grants like this one allow us to stretch local dollars further while making meaningful improvements that protect our people,” Keck said. “Every repaired sidewalk, every upgraded piece of equipment — it all adds up to a safer, stronger Somerset. We’re proud to put these resources to work and grateful to KLC for their continued support.”