On Tuesday, the Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray and other elected officials broke ground on a new transit facility and parking garage they say will improve transportation for Kentucky residents.
The new modern public transit facility located in the state capital of Frankfort, is funded in part by the city, and in part by two federal grants. Last July, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear presented state and local officials with $6.75 million in Federal Transit Administration grants to help pay for the project.
“It’s exciting to kick off construction on this project in our capital city that will create a modern, more efficient public transit hub that will serve the city for decades to come and highlight the history and arts in the area,” Beshear said.
The 5,000-square-foot building will include the Frankfort Transit administrative offices and transit user public space. Sitting atop a 300-space parking garage, the office will also feature an exhibit on the history of the North Frankfort area and the predominantly African American homes and businesses that were relocated out of the area during urban renewal, Gray’s office said. Additionally, several interior spaces will feature public art as outlined in the Frankfort Public Art Masterplan.
Plans for the transit facility also include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations, Gray’s office said.
“Our Kentucky families depend on public transportation options and a robust infrastructure system to get to school and work,” Gray said. “Team Kentucky is working hard to ensure our communities have safe and efficient transportation systems in place for our people and for ongoing economic growth, such as the redevelopment of this vital city center in Frankfort.”