A source of good news has been the state road fund. A report released this week shows that revenue for the road fund was up 5.4 percent in February and has grown by 7.5 percent so far this fiscal year. The continued growth of the road fund allows us to fund the many needed road projects and repairs needed in Kentucky.
The highlight of last week was the passing of the state’s highway-construction plan in the House. I am happy to report that Jessamine County received its fair share of dollars being invested into our community to improve our transportation system and improve the safety of our highways.
A total of $191,057,288 would be spent to improve our highway system in Jessamine County over the next six years, with more than $83 million being spent the next two years. In addition to these amounts, Jessamine County will also receivean increased amount of funding during the next two years for resurfacing of existing highways.
Included in the approved highway projects are:
• The East Nicholasville Bypass with acquisition of right of way and movement of utilities in 2012 and 2013, with construction beginning after July 1, 2014.
• The I-75 connector, with design completed in 2012 and 2013 and right-of-way acquisition and utilities relocation beginning in late 2013.
• Reconstruction and widening of Brannon Pike from U.S. 68 to U.S. 27, with the design work beginning in 2012 and an estimated completion of construction in 2016.
• Reconstruction of the “Y” intersection at U.S. 68 and Ky. 29, with the design work beginning in 2012 and an estimated completion of construction in 2016.
• Completion of the Streetscape Project in Nicholasville with the installation of mast arms and new traffic lights to be completed this summer.
• Extension of Brannon Road east to Tates Creek Pike, with design beginning after July 1, 2012, and construction to be completed by 2016.
The state highway-construction plan now joins the biennial budgets for all three branches of state government in the state Senate for their consideration and action. I am hopeful the Senate will keep all our highway construction projects in the final version.
Each day, the Capitol becomes a gathering place for thousands of Kentuckians who want to be heard. Teachers, veterans, farmers and students alike all come to share their hopes and dreams for a better Kentucky. For Kentuckians, the problems are many, the solutions complicated and the financial resources scarce. Like you, I understand that government can’t solve every problem, but we can and must do certain things to make our commonwealth a better place to enjoy the bounty that God has blessed us with. I am hopeful that when we adjourn in a couple of weeks that I will have contributed to that goal.
You can stay informed of legislative action on any bill of interest by using the legislature’s web site at www.lrc.ky.gov. You may also leave a message for any legislator at 1-800-372-7181 or reach me at my Frankfort office at 502-564-2217 and through my website, www.bobdamron.com. It is an honor to serve you as your voice in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
