Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced the City of Frankfort will receive a major, $616,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Funded through the DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, the grant will support planning revitalization efforts in Frankfort’s Holmes Street Corridor. Congressman Barr voted for the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funded this grant and advocated on behalf of Frankfort’s application through a letter of support to the DOT.
“Upgrading the Holmes Street Corridor will enhance economic development and quality of life for residents and businesses in Frankfort for decades to come,” said Congressman Barr. “This federal grant is the first step in devising a plan to calm traffic, improve road safety as well as create pedestrian and bike access from Kentucky State University to downtown Frankfort.”
“The Holmes Street corridor is a diverse neighborhood of residential, commercial and industrial property and is an important entrance into our city,” said Layne Wilkerson, Mayor of the City of Frankfort. “The RAISE grant will help the City of Frankfort better connect the corridor to downtown, attract new investment, and improve conditions for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and existing businesses. We are excited for this opportunity and thank our Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Barr, for his leadership and support for this grant.”
The Holmes Street Corridor encompasses 25 city blocks. Approximately 2 miles in length, the neighborhood is extremely diverse, with a mix of housing, commercial, and industrial uses. Frankfort’s comprehensive plan identifies the reconstruction of Holmes Street as a top priority. The Holmes Street Corridor was also designated an Opportunity Zone (OZ). Congressman Barr voted for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which created OZs and enables areas designated as OZs to be eligible for additional federal funding.