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Senator from Marion says I‑69 tolling would depend on federal grant, cites $150 million state match
Summary
The senator from Marion told the Kentucky Senate that while Governor Andy Beshear favored moving the I‑69 project forward without tolls, state law requires tolling if no federal grant is received; he said the General Assembly had set aside $150,000,000 as a potential state match contingent on federal funding.
Senator from Marion told the Kentucky Senate on Jan. 13 that the question of tolls on the proposed I‑69 bridge hinges on whether the project secures a federal grant.
The senator said the governor "advocated for the project to move forward without tolls," but added that "the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation requiring it to be towed" if no federal grant is obtained. He said the legislature had put up $150,000,000 to match a federal grant and that "if there's no grant, there's no $150,000,000 going to it" from the general fund.
Why it matters: The comment clarifies competing public statements about who pushed for a toll‑free project and explains the fiscal contingency that the Senate attached to the bridge. The senator said many federal and state officials lobbied for grant funding, citing meetings with federal transportation officials and members of Kentucky's congressional delegation.
Details and context: The senator listed local and federal supporters who have advocated for the project, saying "a lot of people have worked on this project" and identifying meetings involving Congressman Comer, U.S. Senator Young, Congressman Andy Barr and other regional officials. He said Secretary Gray of Kentucky Transportation and Indiana transportation leadership also joined local officials in lobbying for a federal grant.
Outcome and next steps: The senator reported there is not yet a federal grant. No vote or formal change in law occurred on the floor during the remarks; the senator framed the statement as a clarification of recent press coverage and the legislative history. Transportation committee meetings were scheduled the following day for further consideration of transportation bills.
