ConnectFayette FAQs
ConnectFayette Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ConnectFayette?
ConnectFayette is a countywide multi-use path initiative designed to connect communities, neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and other destinations throughout Fayette County. The goal is to create a connected network of paths that makes it easier for residents and visitors to walk, run, bike and enjoy the outdoors.
2. What is the vision for ConnectFayette?
The vision is to create a connected, accessible and enjoyable path network that links the communities and destinations of Fayette County while enhancing the county’s quality of life, recreational opportunities and economic vitality.
3. Who is involved with ConnectFayette?
ConnectFayette partners with the jurisdictions throughout Fayette County, as well as community organizations, businesses, residents and other stakeholders. Successful development of a countywide system requires cooperation and coordination among these partners.
4. Why does Fayette County need a countywide path system?
Fayette County has numerous parks, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, natural areas and community destinations. ConnectFayette provides an opportunity to link these assets together and create a more connected community for residents and visitors.
5. Who can use ConnectFayette paths?
ConnectFayette paths are intended for people of all ages and abilities. Depending on the individual path, users may include walkers, runners, cyclists and others enjoying the outdoors.
6. Where will ConnectFayette paths be located?
ConnectFayette will build upon existing paths and planned projects and work toward creating connections among communities and destinations throughout Fayette County. Specific locations and projects will be determined through planning and coordination with the appropriate jurisdictions.
7. Will ConnectFayette connect the cities and unincorporated areas of Fayette County?
That is an important part of the vision. ConnectFayette seeks to create connections that cross jurisdictional boundaries and make the overall path network function as a countywide system rather than as a collection of disconnected paths.
8. How will ConnectFayette work with local governments?
The ConnectFayette Task Force is a partnership of the jurisdictions in Fayette County which identifies opportunities, coordinates planning, encourages connections between existing and future paths, and supports development of the overall countywide network.
9. Will ConnectFayette build all of the paths?
Not necessarily. Individual path projects may be planned, funded and constructed by different jurisdictions, private developers, grants or other partners. ConnectFayette’s role is to help advance the broader vision of a connected countywide system.
10. How will ConnectFayette benefit Fayette County?
A connected path system can provide recreational opportunities, connect people to schools, parks and natural areas, encourage outdoor activity, enhance quality of life, support local businesses and contribute to the attractiveness of Fayette County as a place to live, work and visit.
11. Can ConnectFayette help support economic development?
Yes. Well-designed path systems can connect people with businesses, parks and community destinations and can enhance the attractiveness of an area to residents, visitors and businesses.
12. How will ConnectFayette connect people with nature?
Fayette County has significant natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. ConnectFayette can provide connections to parks, green spaces, streams, trails and other natural areas, allowing residents and visitors to experience more of what makes Fayette County unique.
13. Will ConnectFayette connect to existing paths and trails?
Yes. Connecting 140 miles of existing paths and trails is an important part of creating a functional countywide network. Rather than viewing each path as an individual project, ConnectFayette looks at how those paths can ultimately work together.
14. How are ConnectFayette projects selected?
Projects can be identified based on factors such as connectivity, community needs, safety, access to destinations, feasibility, available funding and opportunities to connect with existing or planned infrastructure.
15. How is ConnectFayette funded?
Funding may come from a combination of public funding, grants, private contributions, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic support and other appropriate sources. Different projects may have different funding sources.
16. Can businesses and individuals support ConnectFayette?
Yes. Businesses, individuals, foundations and community organizations can support the vision through financial contributions, sponsorships, partnerships and other forms of involvement.
17. How can I support ConnectFayette?
Residents can support ConnectFayette by learning about the initiative, participating in community discussions, sharing ideas, supporting projects and considering a financial contribution or sponsorship by visiting our website www.fayette-forward.org and going to the Friends of ConnectFayette page.
18. Can my business or organization become a ConnectFayette partner?
Yes. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and other community organizations can play an important role in helping build awareness and support for the countywide path system.
19. How can residents provide input?
Community input is an important part of developing a successful countywide path network. Residents can share ideas about potential connections, destinations and improvements through ConnectFayette and the appropriate local government partners. Now is a great time to do so as local governments are working on their Comprehensive Transportation Plans.
20. How can I find out where ConnectFayette paths currently exist or are planned?
ConnectFayette will provide information about existing and planned connections as the countywide network continues to develop. A current map with proposed routes is available at www.fayette-forward.org.
21. Will ConnectFayette affect private property?
Individual projects will be evaluated according to their specific circumstances. Where a proposed path could potentially need access across or adjacent to private property, the appropriate jurisdiction will address property rights, easements and other issues through the applicable planning and legal processes.
22. How will safety be addressed?
Safety will be an important consideration in planning and designing individual path projects. Factors can include appropriate path design, crossings, signage, lighting where appropriate, visibility and connections to surrounding infrastructure.
23. Will ConnectFayette paths be accessible to people with disabilities?
Accessibility will be incorporated into the design and development of ConnectFayette projects in accordance with applicable standards and requirements.
24. Is ConnectFayette only about recreation?
No. Recreation is an important benefit, but the broader vision is connectivity. ConnectFayette can help connect people with parks, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, natural areas and other community destinations.
25. How will ConnectFayette enhance quality of life?
ConnectFayette can give residents more opportunities to be active outdoors, enjoy nature, connect with their community and access parks and other destinations. A connected path network can become an important community asset for generations to come.
26. Is ConnectFayette intended for residents only?
ConnectFayette can serve both residents and visitors, providing opportunities for people to explore Fayette County and enjoy its parks, natural areas, businesses and communities.
27. What is ConnectFayette NOT? ConnectFayette is NOT about housing. Local jurisdictions and their existing zoning ordinances make all decisions related to housing.