Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding supports purchase of new buses in rural areas, funds technology upgrades
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 23, 2022) – As part of his Better Kentucky Plan, Gov. Andy Beshear today announced seven rural public transit agency projects will receive grants as part of a $3.2 million federal funding award to promote a robust public transit system.
The Governor’s plan includes a Better Transportation Program, which allows local communities to apply for grant funds, provided through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve infrastructure and transportation systems across the commonwealth.
“A strong, rural transportation network is critical for economic growth in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “These grants will go a long way toward replacing an aging fleet of buses with new vehicles and to enhance transit services in areas that need reliable transportation.”
The following Kentucky agencies will receive the following federal grants in fiscal year 2022:
- $1,030,116 Blue Grass Community Action Partnership, Inc.
- $851,329 Central Kentucky Community Action Council
- $51,421 City of Maysville/Maysville Transit System
- $222,264 Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, Inc.
- $154,944 Harlan County Community Action Agency, Inc.
- $491,312 Licking Valley Community Action Program
- $464,206 Pennyrile Allied Community Services, Inc.
The seven public transit agencies serve 36 counties. Projects range from purchasing and replacing vehicles with 12-passenger cutaways (small buses with accessible seating), enhancing technology, and paving a parking lot. Project details and areas served by each agency are available here. Funding will be administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) as part of the reimbursement program.
“The future is now and this funding is key to supporting a modern and equitable transportation network in every corner of the state,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.
The Governor’s Better Kentucky Plan aims to help the commonwealth lead in the post-COVID economy by applying federal dollars to build new schools, deliver clean drinking water, expand access to broadband, build stronger communities and improve our roads and bridges and expand our electric vehicle infrastructure.