McConnell Announces Kentucky to Receive $13.5 Million Through the Appalachian Development Highway System Program
Press Release
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Federal Highway Administration will provide Kentucky with $13,593,036 through the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) program this year. These funds will help the Commonwealth improve local and regional highway routes in Kentucky's Appalachian region, allowing historically isolated communities to access new avenues for economic development.
The funding announced today is the first tranche of a $69 million allocation Kentucky will receive through the ADHS program over the next five years. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed with Senator McConnell's support last year, provided this increased funding to the ADHS program. The legislation also provides additional ADHS funding for competitive grant programs for which Kentucky could apply, allowing the Commonwealth to access federal resources beyond the guaranteed $69 million.
The ADHS comprises a 3,090-mile highway network linking 13 states, including much of Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. The program's 33 corridors provide Appalachian communities access to local and national markets, promoting economic growth and interregional collaboration. Currently, the ADHS is completing new highway corridors in Letcher and Pike counties.
"The Appalachian Development Highway System offers crucial road access to communities throughout Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. For nearly sixty years, this program has successfully reduced the isolation faced by some Appalachian communities and fostered job growth, commerce, and travel," said Senator McConnell. "I was proud to support last year's landmark bipartisan infrastructure deal because I know the critical importance of programs like the ADHS. I look forward to seeing this funding go to good use and am committed to working with our state and local leaders to ensure construction moves quickly and efficiently."
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