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Beshear highlights Brent Spence corridor groundbreaking and expansion of EV charging network
Summary
At a Team Kentucky update Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted the Brent Spence Corridor groundbreaking and said Kentucky would build the companion bridge 'without tolls,' and he announced a 10th federally funded EV fast charging station and $55 million in NEVI funding for charging stations statewide.
Gov. Andy Beshear used Thursday's Team Kentucky briefing to spotlight large transportation investments, from the Brent Spence Corridor groundbreaking to the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
"Today, we are breaking ground on the main portion of the historic Brent Spence Bridal Corridor project," Beshear said, calling the work "a generational project." He added that the administration is "kicking off" a companion bridge and said it would be built "without tolls."
Beshear connected the Brent Spence work to other statewide improvements, saying the administration is also pushing forward interstate crossings and corridor upgrades across Kentucky.
On clean-energy transportation, Beshear announced the launch of Kentucky's 10th electric vehicle fast-charging station, at a Casey's in Bowling Green. "It has 4 ports capable of charging up to 400 kilowatts each," he said, and named Francis Energy as the company that built, maintains, and will operate the site. Beshear said Kentucky has $55 million in obligated NEVI funds for fast charging and that 17 additional sites are under construction.
Why it matters: The Brent Spence corridor — a long-discussed bi-state infrastructure effort — and an expanding fast-charging network are pitched as projects that will improve freight movement, long-distance travel and economic competitiveness. Beshear framed both as nonpartisan investments that create jobs and improve safety.
Budget and implementation notes: Beshear said the Brent Spence component had been a priority of his administration and emphasized the coordination required across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Details on funding sources for the companion bridge and whether the 'no tolls' commitment is backed by formal intergovernmental agreements were not provided in the briefing.
What’s next: Beshear said more NEVI-funded stations are expected to open this summer and fall and that the administration will continue to support private developers applying for federal funds to build and maintain stations along interstates and parkways.
