WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that Calloway County has been awarded $23 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program. Senator McConnell contacted the Assistant Secretary of Transportation in support of Calloway County’s competitive federal grant application.
Calloway County officials will use the grant funding to help reduce the high rate of fatal crashes on U.S. 641 by constructing a 5.7 mile rural four-lane divided highway. With wider lanes, full-width shoulders, and a design to accommodate higher speed traffic, the new U.S. 641 can better facilitate safer movement of people and goods. The existing highway will continue to serve as a local access to area residents and businesses.
Furthermore, improving access on U.S. 641 – the only north-south route through this region – is expected to bring new economic growth opportunities to the undeveloped area between Murray and Hazel. When completed, this expansion will also connect with a new highway being planned by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, finishing the critical connection between three major interstate highways: I-24, I-69, and I-40.
“The expansion of U.S. 641 can bring much-needed safety improvements and economic development to Calloway County,” said Senator McConnell. “As Senate Majority Leader, I made it a priority to secure increased infrastructure grant funding in the hopes that more Kentucky communities would be able to benefit from these resources. County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes and State Representative Larry Elkins have advocated for this project for years and have been great local partners. When they asked, I was proud to offer my support on behalf of the county’s transportation needs in Washington. I look forward to the new opportunities for growth in this region, and I was glad to help bring these resources to Kentucky.”
“Improvements along U.S. 641 can help our county continue to grow its economy while keeping everyone safe,” said Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Senator McConnell in Washington, who supported our application and helped bring this grant to Calloway County.”
“This BUILD grant will help us make sure our infrastructure meet the needs of families and businesses alike,” State Representative Larry Elkins (R-05) said. “The benefits of this new highway will not only be enjoyed by us in Calloway County, but they will also spread throughout the region. I would like to thank Senator McConnell for working with us to enhance safety, to promote efficiency, and to help grow our economy.”