Beech Tree News Network

Frankfort, Kentucky (April 18, 2022) – Butler County will receive $25,801,000 in funding for road and infrastructure projects. Today’s announcement comes days after lawmakers adjourned 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in a fiscally responsible state spending plan that makes significant investments upgrading and replacing the state’s outdated infrastructure, including transportation, water and waste water, and broadband.

“I am very pleased to see this funding come to Butler County as a direct result of the hard work done by the legislature,” Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty said. “Industry follows infrastructure, and I believe that with these improvements to our roadways and ferries we will be ushering in a time of growth for our community.”

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 Butler County allocation is earmarked for the following projects:

-          $316,800 for the operation of Reed’s Ferry at Logansport.

-          $316,800 for the operation of the Rochester Ferry by the Butler and Ohio County Ferry Authority.

-          $17,468,000 for a bridge project on I-165 at Green River.

-          $7,700,000 to address the condition of I-165 from mile point 26.48 to mile point 32.645.

“Enhancing our ferry system along with our bridges throughout the county are vital to ensuring citizens have a safe route to travel in their everyday commutes,” Gibbons Prunty continued.

Representative Sheldon noted the impact the improvements to I-165 will have for those travelling through the area, “I-165 is a major roadway for those traveling to and from Butler County. This is significant funding that will greatly increase the safety and accessibility of our roads for both our residents and our visitors.”

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, Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty, and Representative Steve Sheldon 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 on Thursday, April 14. For further information about this legislation or any other actions taken by the Kentucky General Assembly, visit legislature.ky.gov.