U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that $750,000 has been designated for the continued planning and construction along the Somerset Northern Bypass in the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill which passed the House of Representatives yesterday. The Northern Bypass is a critical link in the nationally designated Interstate 66 (I-66) project.

“In these challenging times, the development of I-66 is absolutely critical to spurring economic development and creating jobs right here in southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “The Northern Bypass is a critical road segment to connect future I-66 to the Louie B. Nunn Parkway and the rest of the Commonwealth. We need to be looking to build the physical infrastructure not simply for today, but for the future so our region can compete and our talented young people can find good paying jobs, start innovative businesses, and raise healthy families.”

Since 1998, Rogers has secured over $100 million in targeted federal funding for development of I-66 across Kentucky. Upon completion of this project, I-66 will provide a vital connection between southern and eastern Kentucky and the nationwide road system. This is crucial to providing Appalachian Kentucky residents with better access to health care, opening up communities to tourism, and supporting additional supply lines for new businesses. The highway will also improve safety for people traveling in and around the area.

Rogers works to provide funding for Kentucky transportation funding in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.