Beech Tree News Network

Frankfort, Kentucky (March 18, 2020) – Butler County is slated to receive $13.5 million under the state road budget passed by the House today, according to Representative Steve Sheldon. The road budget now goes to the Senate for its consideration. This is in addition to the $11.9 million Butler County is budgeted to receive from the general budget in FY ’23 for its new judicial center.

“I am extremely pleased to share this news and glad that we were able to get these projects into the road budget. Every dollar we spend on roads and infrastructure is an investment in our communities,” Rep. Sheldon said.

Projects in the community include:

-          Improve Natcher Parkway/US-231 Interchange (Exit 36)

-          Improve pavement condition of William H. Natcher Parkway

“Safe, reliable transportation is critical to public safety and quality of life. Our roads make it possible to move goods and people, as well as provide access to health care, education, and entertainment,” Sheldon said. “Roads bring communities together.”

Kentucky state road funds are raised through the motor fuels tax (commonly called the gas tax), motor vehicle usage tax, vehicle and boat registration, motor vehicle operator's licenses, tolls, and interest.

Legislators are meeting for the final days of the 2020 Regular Session to finish work on several priority measures – including the road plan and the state budget. Legislative leadership announced earlier this week that they believe the legislature must fulfill that obligation to the people of Kentucky. However, they have put in place a number of safety procedures based on the recommendations of public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While this is a departure from business as usual, they are taking every step possible to use available technology to ensure transparency and accessibility.