Infrastructure Bill Could Raise Billions In Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – After weeks of difficult negotiations, a bill is presented to President Biden with more than $ 1 trillion for infrastructure projects, and billions of dollars included in this bill will be probably spent here in Kentucky.

The bill includes $ 550 billion in new federal infrastructure investments over the next five years.

And Kentucky could expect to receive $ 4.6 billion for federal highway assistance programs. And an additional $ 438 million for bridge replacement and repair.

“The infrastructure bill has passed and it will provide billions of dollars in additional funding here in Kentucky,” Governor Andy Beshear said on Twitter on Saturday.

For the Commonwealth, federal funding couldn’t have come at a better time, as the state received a C- on its infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Assessment of over 1,000 bridges and over 1,300 miles of poor highway conditions. Now we could see potential billions of dollars spent on repairs and replacements over five years.

“It includes hundreds of millions of dollars for bridges. It includes rural road funds. It includes the financing of public transport. Funding to help build our electric vehicle charging network and an opportunity to apply for funding for the Brent Spence Bridge project so that we can make it happen, ”said Beshear.

To be exact, the bill includes $ 65 billion to improve broadband, $ 110 billion to repair roads and bridges, and $ 39 billion to public transit.

President Biden calls this a one-time investment in a generation that will create millions of jobs and economic growth.

“The vast majority of the thousands of jobs created will not require a college degree. There will be jobs in all parts of the country. Red States, Blue States, Cities, Small Towns, Rural Communities, Traveler Communities. It’s a blue collar, a plan to rebuild America, ”Biden said.

The bill passed with the support of 13 Republicans, while six Democrats voted against. The five Kentucky Republican congressmen all voted against the bill.

Louisville Democratic Representative John Yarmuth voted in favor.

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