Kentucky receives discretionary transportation grants

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Kentucky officials said the state has received $38.1 million in BUILD Transportation Grants to execute needed bridge and highway improvements for the City of Corbin and Logan, Todd, and Kenton counties.

“This is exciting news for many Kentucky drivers and their families.” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “It also is a great opportunity to make investments in infrastructure that will return a direct and beneficial economic impact in each of these regions and beyond. Growing our economy requires continuing investments in the infrastructure that moves our goods and our people.”

The funding allotment is in accordance with Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. The grants leverage matching funds from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the local governments.

“BUILD grants are a critical element of our infrastructure improvement planning,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “In turn, our cabinet and these local governments do their part.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Rasmus said the funding impacts varied aspects of the region, from school to medical to tourism accessibility.

“The City of Corbin is very thankful for our partners at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 11, and the Cumberland Valley Area Development District, who were instrumental in their support of this project,” she said.

Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann said the Transportation Cabinet has been a strong supporter of the project – noting it benefits the cities of Independence and Taylor Mill, as well as other cities across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in need of better east-west transportation options.