Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will provide Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government with nearly $22 million in federal funding. This funding will be used to reconstruct a critical roadway in Lexington, Kentucky, specifically New Circle Road, which has been identified as the highest fatal and serious injury corridor in the city's safety action plan.

The project will consist of three parts and aims to improve both motorist and pedestrian safety while reducing traffic fatalities. The funds will be utilized to overhaul the infrastructure of New Circle Road and implement various changes to enhance safety measures.

The federal funding is made possible through the DOT's Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Opportunity, which was established under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator McConnell played a crucial role in leading the IIJA to Senate passage two years ago, ultimately resulting in the bill becoming law. This legislation provides billions of federal dollars to Kentucky over a span of five years for the improvement of roads, bridges, railroads, riverports, airports, broadband, and more.

Senator McConnell, as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, personally contacted the Secretary of Transportation to express his support for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's competitive federal application. In a statement, Senator McConnell emphasized the importance of reducing traffic fatalities and expressed gratitude for the significant investment in improving traffic safety in one of the largest cities in the Commonwealth.

Congressman Andy Barr also expressed his support for the funding, stating, "This funding allows for significant safety and infrastructure improvements on Northeast New Circle Road. I was honored to support the City of Lexington's grant application and will continue to advocate for improved infrastructure across the Sixth Congressional District."

With this substantial federal funding, Lexington, Kentucky will be able to make critical improvements to New Circle Road, addressing the safety concerns that have plagued the area. The project aligns with the broader goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is aimed at enhancing the nation's infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the country.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=16E732D3-B7BC-4A13-92A3-1198A0617015