The Pennyrile Area Development District Board of Directors heard an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at Monday’s meeting, hearing more about infrastructure projects in the state.
KYTC Chief District Engineer for district two, Deneatra Henderson, told the board that while the federal infrastructure bill has passed, it has not yet been signed into law, so they’re not positive on what plans or projects could benefit from that just yet. She says the money will likely be available through grant applications and they fully intend to pursue funding.
Project Manager Emily Deason says the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project is about to enter the construction phase, and will include a new four lane bridge over the river, will retain a bridge on US 41 and roughly 12 miles of new interstate in Henderson County.
State Representative Melinda Prunty, who represents Muhlenberg County and parts of Hopkins County, says the legislature is gearing up for the General Assembly session starts in January, and will likely have to tackle redistricting first—though she would like to see other matters, such as tax reform, taken up quickly.
Kentucky is likely to see a sizeable amount of funding from the federal infrastructure bill, including approximately $4.7 billion to repair roads and bridges, $100 million for high-speed internet expansion, $647 million to improve water infrastructure and more.