Paris, KY– U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined local leaders in Bourbon and Scott Counties to discuss the $10.2 million grant they helped secure for Bourbon County from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve the U.S. 460 corridor. Bourbon County received the grant through The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program at the DOT. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell contacted the Trump Administration in support of their competitive federal grant application.
US 460 corridor connects Interstate 75 (I-75) in Scott County with U.S. Route 27 in Bourbon County. The US 460 corridor overhaul will offer more reliable commutes for Kentuckians working at Georgetown’s Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. or traveling to destinations north along I-75.
In recent years, the US 460 corridor overhaul has gained tremendous momentum. Kentucky’s Transportation Department spent over $11.8 million to start the project, including $9 million to complete design and right of way. After the announcement of the BUILD grant award, Bourbon and Scott Counties have each committed $1,000,000 toward the project. Finally, seven local private companies have agreed to provide $84,500 towards the project.
Currently, the US 460 corridor connecting Bourbon and Scott Counties is a narrow road. The DOT grant will widen lanes and shoulders on the road, enhancing truck travel and commerce in Central Kentucky.
“Today marks the first step in a major overhaul project of the US 460 corridor that will strengthen commerce, tourism and improve accessibility and road safety in Central Kentucky,” said Congressman Barr. “For over three years, local leaders in Bourbon and Scott Counties have worked tirelessly to secure this grant. I proudly supported Scott and Bourbon Counties grant requests with DOT, and I will continue advocating for more resources to complete the vision for the US 460 corridor going forward.”
“Major federal transportation grants are a recognition of a community’s potential. With Congressman Barr, I was proud to help deliver this award to improve safety on U.S. 460 for Kentucky’s families and businesses,” said Senator McConnell. “An upgraded roadway will encourage continued investment and economic growth across this region. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m constantly drawing national attention to Kentucky communities and delivering the federal resources to help them prosper.”
“This announcement marks a day of celebration for the people of Bourbon County and Scott County, who will now look forward to the completion of the project and a safer road to travel,” said Mike Williams, Judge Executive of Bourbon County. “We are eternally grateful to Leader McConnell and Congressman Barr for finalizing this mission to receive the BUILD Grant, and working together to ensure such a positive result for the citizens of both our counties.”
Congressman Barr has long championed the US 460 corridor project. Congressman Barr’s office assisted in the grant application process and advocated through multiple letters of support on behalf of both Scott and Bourbon Counties’ with the DOT. In December of 2019, Congressman Barr voted for H.R.1865 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which appropriated $1 billion to the BUILD grant program.