Kentucky to Accelerate Mountain Parkway Expansion with $116.3 Million Federal Grant

Frankfort, Kentucky – Governor Andy Beshear announced on October 16, 2024, that Kentucky will expedite the completion of the Mountain Parkway Expansion project, thanks to a significant federal grant of $116.3 million. This funding aims to enhance the infrastructure and safety of roadways for residents and visitors in the state.

The grant is part of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America initiative and will target the final segment known as the “Magoffin-Floyd” section, a nearly 13-mile stretch extending from Salyersville in Magoffin County to Prestonsburg in Floyd County. The overall construction project totals around $300 million.

In his statement, Beshear emphasized the importance of this project, 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 for the federal funds and acknowledged the efforts of local and state leaders who supported the funding application.

Transportation Secretary Jim Gray added, “We’re not just investing in a project; we’re investing in the safety and opportunities for the people of Eastern Kentucky.” He noted that the reduced federal funding request made the project more competitive and demonstrated the state’s readiness to advance the project.

The application for funding was submitted in May through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Discretionary Grant Program, established by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Earlier, the Beshear administration applied for $216 million in funding through the same program in 2023 but reduced the request due to a historic $150 million state general fund investment passed in the last legislative session.

Currently, the Magoffin-Floyd segment is under development as the project team works on the detailed design and pre-construction requirements. This federal grant will address potential delays and help establish a more accurate construction timeline, facilitating a smoother transition to the construction phase.

Once completed, the Mountain Parkway Expansion will have expanded a total of 32 miles of the existing parkway to four lanes and introduced an additional 13 miles of new roadway. Overall, the project consists of six segments, all of which are either completed, under construction, or in development, ensuring Kentucky will boast 400 continuous miles of four-lane, high-speed highway from Pikeville to Paducah.

This infrastructure project is expected to create more commerce and improve mobility across the state, marking a significant investment in Kentucky’s future.