KACo joins call to invest in transportation infrastructure

These three groups join 40 others as part of the Kentucky Infrastructure Coalition.

Counties own and maintain half of public roads in the state and as funding has dropped in recent years, counties have struggled keep up.

The road fund, which is built on the motor fuels tax, provides revenue to counties and cities for building and maintaining Kentucky’s roadways. But the road fund hasn’t kept up with demands; it is significantly short of where it was in 2014. Every county in Kentucky needs more transportation revenue to improve safety, quality of life and attract economic development opportunities.

We urge Governor Beshear and the legislature to invest in our transportation infrastructure to make Kentucky safer and more economically competitive.

Kentucky Association of Counties Executive Director Jim Henderson, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashli Watts and Kentucky League of Cities Executive Director J.D. Chaney released this statement emphasizing the need for passage of transportation investment legislation this year:

“Now that the budget process is officially underway, it is time to reiterate a top priority for the 2020 session, which is to increase transportation funding across the Commonwealth. To continue economic growth, ensure safety for our citizens, and create better jobs, we must seize the opportunity to increase our commitment to the road fund and other modes of transportation. We simply cannot afford to wait. We urge the governor and the legislature to act now to increase funding for our transportation system.

“Improving access for our citizens and for visitors is paramount to the success of the Commonwealth. States cannot compete for new businesses, new jobs, or new tourism destinations without adequate infrastructure, and if we wait any longer to make these investments, Kentucky ultimately will fall behind. We cannot let that happen.”