Frankfort, Kentucky – The Mountain Parkway Expansion project is set to gain momentum as Governor Andy Beshear announced a significant funding boost. On October 16, the governor revealed that Kentucky will receive a $116.3 million federal grant to expedite the completion of the final section of the parkway.
The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant will facilitate the nearly $300 million construction project for the Magoffin-Floyd segment, a crucial 13-mile stretch extending from Salyersville in Magoffin County to Prestonsburg in Floyd County. This funding comes at an essential time as the project aims to improve transportation infrastructure in Eastern Kentucky.
Governor Beshear emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Kentucky is continuing to move forward with essential projects that will strengthen our commonwealth and drive progress to make life better for Kentuckians.” He expressed gratitude towards local and state leaders for their advocacy in securing the funding and acknowledged the support from President Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg.
The Mountain Parkway Expansion is a comprehensive effort that involves widening 32 miles of existing road to four lanes along with the addition of the new segment. Once completed, it will provide 400 continuous miles of four-lane, high-speed highway across the state. This extensive network will connect Pikeville to Paducah, enhancing commerce and mobility.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray added that this investment represents a commitment to the safety and opportunities for the people of Eastern Kentucky. The reduction in the federal funding request, down from $216 million to this year’s $116.3 million, is attributed to a historic $150 million state investment that was recently approved. This strategic move has made Kentucky more competitive in acquiring federal funds.
Currently, the Magoffin-Floyd segment is under development, with the project team finalizing the detailed design and pre-construction requirements. The newly awarded federal funding is expected to alleviate potential delays, allowing for a more accurate timeline for construction and overall project completion.
As all other segments of the Mountain Parkway Expansion are either completed or under development, this latest grant positions Kentucky to enhance its transportation landscape significantly, serving as a pivotal element in state infrastructure development.
