FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 16, 2019) – During Tuesday’s Marshall County Fiscal Court meeting, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Greg Thomas announced $677,240 in discretionary funds for 4.5 miles of vital resurfacing work and replacement of a bridge along Houser Road. The significant investment supports Governor Matt Bevin’s commitment to prioritize transportation infrastructure projects and increase economic opportunity across the Commonwealth.
“Governor Bevin remains committed to prioritizing transportation projects that enhance safety and economic opportunity in counties and communities across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Thomas. “These funds will enable much-needed repairs to local roads, improving safety and mobility for more than 60 homes and businesses that rely on Houser Road each day.”
Thomas also noted that discretionary funds are intended to help counties cover additional maintenance and repair items that would create a budget crunch for county operations.
“This funding builds upon existing transportation investments and demonstrates the importance of collaborating with local governments to identify projects that positively impact communities,” said Thomas.
Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal identified these roads as being among the most critical in the county. The discretionary award will address asphalt deterioration along 4.5 miles of Houser Road, as well as construction of a new bridge over Smith Creek. The Smith Creek Bridge is currently restricted to an 18-ton load limit that routes school bus and truck traffic to take an extended detour.
“I would like to thank Governor Bevin for his continued dedication to improving Kentucky roads,” said Judge-Executive Neal. “Through his support and efforts, we are receiving much-needed funding for an expansive project on Houser Road in addition to the replacement of a bridge. Marshall County citizens will benefit from these safety improvements.”
Projects submitted to the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for discretionary fund consideration were evaluated by the KYTC district staff to assess the condition of roads and determine the most critical needs based on factors such as safety, economic impact, and traffic volumes.
“I’m happy to learn that Marshall County has received funding for this bridge replacement and road resurfacing,” said Sen. Danny Carroll. “This infrastructure upgrade will certainly benefit this community by ensuring that it has safe and dependable roadways.”
Rep. Chris Freeland also expressed his appreciation for the discretionary funds.
“The investment in road resurfacing and bridge replacement is wonderful news for our community, and I thank the Governor and the Transportation Cabinet for making these projects a priority,” Rep. Freeland added. “We all know that this investment will make for safer travel for our friends and neighbors.”
The Marshall County Fiscal Court is responsible for administering the work, and KYTC will reimburse the county for the projects.
Resurfacing work will address:
Houser Road (County Road 1286) from milepoint 0.00 to milepoint 4.510
Houser Road (County Road 1286) from milepoint 2.660 to milepoint 2.760