Governor Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky has secured $73 million in federal grants for three significant transportation projects: expanding truck parking, replacing Frankfort's historic Singing Bridge, and enlarging Paducah's main riverport.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding includes a $25 million BUILD grant for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to nearly double truck parking spaces from 201 to 387 at seven rest areas across Oldham, Boone, Woodford, and Bullitt counties. This initiative, joining state funding, aims to improve safety and efficiency for commercial drivers along major freight corridors. KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman said, "This $73 million investment in our transportation infrastructure is an investment in our economy and in every Kentuckian’s quality of life."
Another $24 million BUILD grant, awarded to KYTC in partnership with the city of Frankfort, will facilitate the replacement of the 130-year-old Singing Bridge on U.S. Highway 60X over the Kentucky River. Closed in 2024 due to safety concerns, the bridge, which previously served about 4,000 vehicles daily, requires replacement to restore safe passage for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The third grant, also $24 million, goes to the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority for expanding the main public port in Paducah, currently at full capacity. The new Riverport West location will extend operations, leveraging its proximity to the Triple Rail Site with connections to rail, water, and highway transportation. These competitive BUILD grants support projects with significant local or regional impact.