Kentucky to get $3 million in federal aid to fix weather-damaged roads

Kentucky is getting $3 million in federal funds to help the state repair roads damaged by a harsh winter and flooding from heavy April rainfall, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said on Thursday.

The Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration will transfer the emergency-relief funds to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

Flooding and mudslides resulted in highway-embankment, road and bridge damage statewide. Among the winter and  rainfall effects, a section of SH 52 collapsed in Lee County, near Beattyville, and a portion of SH 22 in Louisville was completely washed out.

The funds will be used for debris removal and all other work needed to reopen the affected roads to traffic. State officials estimated the cost of stabilizing and repairing the impacted areas at $9 million. This work is necessary to prevent further damage to Kentucky roads and to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said the agency is working closely with KYTC to ensure that all needed repairs are completed. "Getting roads open again and restoring travel will help all those who rely on these roads get back to their normal routine,” Nadeau said.