A look back at transportation funding initiatives

While Kentucky’s executive branch budget often receives the most attention, it is only one part of a larger picture that ensures state government meets the needs of its citizens. Several other spending plans play a critical role in delivering essential services, strengthening communities, and preparing the Commonwealth for the future. Among these are transportation measures that provide funding for the state’s Transportation Cabinet agencies and programs, construction, maintenance, and a separate budget that provides financial assistance for local governments. Ultimately, the different measures work together to create an intentional, well-planned path to improve safety, connectivity, and opportunity. These investments help support economic growth, improve safety, and ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to address their unique transportation challenges. Through strategic planning and targeted funding, lawmakers are working to make sure Kentucky’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of families, businesses, and communities.

HB 502 represents a historic investment in Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, providing a $4.2 billion road plan that includes hundreds of projects in communities across the Commonwealth. The measure takes a proactive and strategic approach to addressing the challenges facing Kentucky’s transportation system by ensuring every available dollar is invested where it can deliver the greatest benefit. The plan prioritizes safety, economic growth, and long-term infrastructure needs, including hundreds of millions for pavement repairs on interstates and state highways and bridge improvements. It also continues Kentucky’s commitment to transformative projects such as the Mountain Parkway expansion, I-69 improvements, and the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor.

A key component of HB 502 is its continued reliance on the SHIFT (Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow) process, which provides a data-driven approach to determining transportation priorities. SHIFT helps ensure funding decisions are based on measurable needs and community impact rather than politics or geography. The formula applies to transportation funding not already dedicated through other sources, including maintenance projects, local government needs, and projects supported by federal funding. Through SHIFT, local and state transportation leaders identify potential projects that are then evaluated based on factors such as safety, congestion reduction, economic development, cost effectiveness, asset management, and resiliency. For local road planning, the process also considers non-motorized transportation options, including bicycle and pedestrian mobility.

Because transportation needs span decades - not just budget cycles - Kentucky’s road plan is designed as a six-year investment strategy. This approach allows lawmakers and transportation officials to prioritize projects, coordinate resources, and address the Commonwealth’s most critical infrastructure needs in a responsible and forward-looking way. As part of that effort, the House approved HJR 75, which establishes the final four years of the next six-year road plan.

Lawmakers also approved HB 501, the operating budget for programs and services provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The measure continues support for local communities through the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP), providing cities and counties with additional resources to address local road needs. In the first fiscal year, HB 501 provides an unprecedented $90.2 million for LARP over two years - $70.2 million in the first year, and an additional $20 million in fiscal year 2028.

This represents a significant increase in support for local roads across Kentucky – far exceeding the previous two years combined (LARP funding totaled $23.8 million in Fiscal Year 2026 and $19.9 million in Fiscal Year 2025). That additional funding will allow more communities to repair and resurface roads before deterioration becomes more costly and difficult to address. A companion measure, HJR 76, outlines how the funding will be distributed.

Historically, limited LARP funding meant projects were generally restricted to roads rated a 10, with only occasional funding available for roads rated a 9. Under HJR 76, funding will expand to include roads rated 8, 9, and 10, which in turn allows local governments to address more aging infrastructure and improve road conditions before they reach a critical state. Together, these investments reflect a commitment to safer roads, stronger communities, and a transportation system built to support Kentucky’s future.

Russell County LARP Funding:

• $17,000 for the resurfacing of C Voils Drive
• $25,000 to address the condition of Lee Road
• $26,000 for the resurfacing of Ramsey Creek Road
• $36,000 for the resurfacing of Bates Road
• $48,000 for the resurfacing of Lakeway Hills
• $55,000 for the resurfacing od Sugar 2 Road
• $58,000 for the resurfacing of Ramsey Creek Road
• $64,000 for the resurfacing of East West Wilson Road
• $60,000 for the resurfacing of Pumpkin Creek Road
• $76,000 for the resurfacing od Armilous Road
• $96,000 for the resurfacing of Beech Ridge Road
• $328,000 for the resurfacing od Decatur Road
• $29,000 to address the condition of Wilson Street
• $30,000 to address the condition of Jewel Street
• $36,000 for the resurfacing of Half Acre Road
• $48,000 for the resurfacing of West Sulphur Creek Road
• $52,000 for the resurfacing of S Todd Road
• $66,000 for the resurfacing of Half Acre Road
• $1,800 for the resurfacing of Stephens Court

In addition to LARP, HB 501 also includes $25 million in both years for the County and City Bridge Improvement Program.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Josh.Branscum@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.