Frankfort, Kentucky (April 18, 2022) – Marion County will receive $20,333,400 in funding for road and infrastructure projects. The announcement follows the final day of a legislative session that resulted in a fiscally responsible state spending plan that makes significant investments upgrading and replacing the state’s outdated infrastructure, including transportation, water and wastewater, and broadband.

“Investment in our roads in investment in our communities,” said Representative Sarge Pollock. “I am proud to announce this significant funding that will allow for increased economic development and better quality of life for the residents of Marion County.”

The funding is part of HB 242, which provides more than $2.9 billion for the maintenance and construction of state roads over the next two years. The measure also includes $370 million for the rehabilitation and construction of bridges and sets aside $250 million to match federal dollars for mega projects in Northern, Eastern, and Western Kentucky.

The Marion County allocation is earmarked for the following projects:

• $3,640,000 for spot improvements on KY-49 (MP 20.900 to MP 21.830) as per the KY-49 planning study
• $6,000,000 to reduce congestion at the major intersection in front of the new school MP 12.2 to 12.8
• $7,820,000 to extend KY-2154 Bypass from KY-208 to KY-49
• $500,000 to improve the intersection of KY-49 at KY-52 in Loretto at MP 27.374
• $1,375,000 to replace low water structure on Siloam Rd over North Rolling Fork Near KY-337 intersection MP 0.089 to MP 0.122
• $998,400 to improve connectivity and congestion between US-68 and KY-55 on the east side of Lebanon (approximately 2 miles)

In addition to the projects earmarked for funding in FY 2023 and FY 2024, the road plan also includes funds allocated in FY 2022. Those projects include $2,200,000 to address safety and geometric deficiencies along KY-49 from Riverside Bridge to Narrows Rd and an additional $1,000,000 for the project to extend KY-2154 Bypass from KY-208 to KY-49.

“The road plan includes major projects to reduce congestion and increase connectivity in our area,” Pollock added. “This provides for better access to employment opportunities, increased economic development in the area, and easier overall travel.”

In addition to HB 242, lawmakers also crafted a two-year budget for Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet. That bill, HB 241, includes funding for programs like an additional $4 million to increase access to driver’s license and permit testing and $11.4 million to be divided equally among the state’s 54 general aviation airports.

“This road plan and cabinet budget provide a very organized, methodical approach that both meets today’s needs and lays the groundwork for tomorrow. We only have one chance to spend each dollar and we owe it to the taxpayers of Kentucky to get it right,” House Speaker David Osborne added. “I commend House Transportation Budget Chair Sal Santoro and Representative Pollock for their commitment to prioritizing critical projects and identifying how we can make the most of the resources available to us.”

Lawmakers adjourned the 2022 Regular Session before midnight April 14. For further information about this legislation or any other actions taken by the Kentucky General Assembly, visit legislature.ky.gov.