WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Kenton County was awarded $9,640,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program. Senator McConnell contacted the Assistant Secretary at DOT in support of his constituents’ competitive grant application and their work to improve the “east-west link” across Campbell, Kenton, and Boone Counties in Northern Kentucky.
“Continued investment into Northern Kentucky’s infrastructure will support the region’s economic growth and its bright future,” said Senator McConnell. “Receiving a highly-competitive BUILD grant is a testament to strong local leadership, and I’ve been proud to work with Judge Kris Knochelmann and his team to help protect local families and workers on the roads. As Senate Majority Leader, I’ll continue drawing national attention to Kentucky’s priorities and helping our Commonwealth punch above its weight.”
Kenton County plans to use the funding to continue improvement on the “east-west link” across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties by focusing on the KY-536 corridor from US 25 to KY 17, which provides a connection between I-75 and the City of Independence. The project will also involve intersection improvements, a roundabout conversion and other upgrades. The current corridor features narrow lanes and sharp turns that are not conducive to the increasing traffic.
“I’m very appreciative of Senator McConnell’s assistance with and support for Kenton County’s BUILD grant application,” said Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann. “He has been a steadfast supporter of projects in Northern Kentucky, and this one in particular will directly benefit the cities of Independence and Taylor Mill, as well as the other cities across Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties that need better east-west transportation options. Kentucky is very fortunate to have Senator McConnell in leadership in Washington, D.C., so that our voice can be heard and projects like the KY-536 reconstruction can happen.”
In 2018, Senator McConnell helped Boone County secure a $67.5 million competitive DOT grant to upgrade I-71/I-75, including near the KY-536 interchange.
