Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr contacted Trump Administration in support of competitive federal transportation grant to benefit region’s economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced today that Bourbon and Scott counties, in Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, have been awarded $10.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program. Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr contacted the Assistant Secretary at DOT in support of their competitive federal grant application.

The counties will use this funding for the reconstruction of US 460 from Paris to I-75 in Georgetown, Kentucky. According to local officials, the project will increase safety for freight and passenger cars by improving the existing 10-foot lanes, narrow shoulders, and other upgrades. This project is important to economic development in the region, in part because it will serve the Paris/Bourbon County Industrial Park.

“Enhancing safety and efficiency along U.S. 460 is an important sign that that the Bluegrass region is open for business, and I was proud to work with my colleague Congressman Andy Barr and local leaders to deliver this federal BUILD grant,” said Senator McConnell. “These infrastructure improvements are an investment into the future of these communities and can help build upon their strong economy while supporting good jobs for Kentucky families. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m constantly looking for new opportunities for Kentucky to lead the nation, and I was glad to support the region by helping to secure this federal grant.”

“After years of advocating for this project on behalf of my constituents in Bourbon and Scott counties, I’m excited to see funds being allocated to make the US 460 Improvement Project a reality,” said Congressman Barr. “In addition to improving driver safety in the area, this project will support economic growth in the region by improving travel conditions for deliveries to Toyota and other regional businesses. I applaud the diligent work by both local officials and local businesses as they work to see this project through. I want to especially thank Leader McConnell for his hard work on this project as well, and for his dedication to making sure our roads are safe and adequate for local economic development needs.”

“Bourbon County is ready to take full advantage of these federal funds, and we’re excited to see the results of this investment,” said Bourbon County Judge-Executive Mike Williams. “This BUILD grant will help attract new economic opportunity to the Industrial Park and throughout our county. Throughout this process, Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr have been our constant allies, helping to ensure Kentucky communities like ours have a strong voice in Washington.”

“To continue our community’s upward trajectory, we need safe and high-quality infrastructure. With this BUILD grant, we can help reduce injuries and heartbreaking fatalities along US 460 and help families reach their destination,” said Scott County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington. “Thanks to Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr for helping us bring this BUILD grant to Kentucky. We couldn’t ask for better leaders or stronger advocates for our community.”

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