WASHINGTON (WMDJ) — Eastern Kentucky is set to receive federal investment following the passage of a federal funding package approved by Congress and signed into law Tuesday.
U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers announced that nearly $95 million in Community Project Funding has been secured for projects across Southern and Eastern Kentucky, including key transportation and economic development efforts.
A major portion of the funding includes $36.5 million to complete the Mountain Parkway Extension Project, covering 12.6 miles of construction between Salyersville and Prestonsburg. The project is aimed at improving safety, travel efficiency, and long-term economic growth throughout the region.
The funding package also includes $6 million for the City of Pikeville to construct a new industrial building at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park. The project is expected to support business expansion and could create up to 100 new jobs in the Pikeville area.
Another big part of the spending plan includes $20 Million for the Hal Roges Parkway Improvement Program for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to widen approximately 59 miles of the parkway between London and Hazard.
Other funds made available can be broken down here:
- $5 Million for the new Wolfe County Search & Rescue Emergency Operations Center
- $2 Million for a new Northern McCreary County Firehouse
- $2 Million for renovations to the London-Corbin Regional Airport
- $4 Million for the Harlan County Water System Improvements Project
- $1.03 Million for the Clay County Livestock Marketplace
- $1.45 Million for the Somerset Pulaski Economic Development Authority to construct an overpass to connect an emerging business park with Kentucky Highway 80 and Hal Rogers Parkway
- $11 Million for the McCreary County Heritage Foundation to facilitate planning, design, and construction improvements to foster economic development in the community.
Rogers says the funding will help strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, and support economic development in rural communities across Eastern Kentucky.
The funding is part of a broader federal spending agreement that keeps the government operating through the 2026 fiscal year.
