U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced Thursday the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) received $13.5 million to replace four bridges on U.S. 79 in Logan and Todd counties from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program.]
Sen. McConnell contacted the Assistant Secretary at DOT in support of his constituents’ competitive grant application and their efforts to improve safety for passenger and commercial traffic between Guthrie and Russellville.
“As the only one of the four congressional leaders not from New York or California, it’s my job to look out for Middle America and especially Kentucky. I’m constantly looking for ways to advantage rural Kentucky, and I was proud to work with leaders in Logan and Todd counties to deliver this highly-competitive grant funding,” said Senator McConnell.
“I was just in Russellville last week and drove on U.S. 79 on my way to Fort Campbell. I saw firsthand the need for these improvements. This federal investment can help protect families and workers as they bring their products to market, support the local economy and take advantage of this region’s bright future.”
According to DOT, the federal funding will help widen travel lanes and shoulders to increase traveler safety, enhance connectivity, and increase the region’s economic competitiveness.
“This is a great day for Logan and Todd Counties. U.S. 79 is a critical corridor connecting Russellville and Clarksville and is home to major industries including Novelis in Guthrie and Logan Aluminum in Russellville,” said Tom Harned, executive director for Logan Economic Alliance for Development. “This award will improve the safety of the highway and support continued economic development. We appreciate Sen. McConnell and the support he provided for this project and his steadfast leadership for rural Kentucky.”
“This BUILD grant will help us not only encourage new growth in our community, but it will also help us keep local families safe,” said Kentucky State Representative Jason Petrie, who represents Logan, Todd, and Warren Counties. “Across Kentucky, we can see the benefits of Sen. McConnell’s leadership. I’m grateful to him and all the local officials who put so much work into this project that can bring new development and good jobs to our area.”
“I want to thank Senator McConnell for the leadership he provided on this important project. He is strong advocate for rural Kentucky and we are grateful for his support,” said Logan County Judge-Executive Logan Chick. “By replacing and widening these four bridges, U.S. 79 will be safer and it will allow new and existing industry to flourish.”
“The BUILD Grant award for U.S. 79 is great news for Logan County, Todd County and our southwest region of Kentucky,” said Todd Mansfield, Todd County Judge-Executive. “The project to replace the four bridges along U.S. 79 is of great need and we are so appreciative of the acknowledgement by this award. On behalf of the Todd County Fiscal Court and Todd County, I want to thank Sen. Mitch McConnell and others in Kentucky and Tennessee that supported this project!”