U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that $750,000 has been designated for the expansion of US-25 near Corbin in the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill which passed the House of Representatives on July 23, 2009. The road improvements will ease congestion and improve safety for those traveling on this important highway.

“Investments in our nation’s roadways and transportation system are absolutely critical to spurring economic development and creating jobs right here in southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “Expanding US-25 is key to solving the problems that plague this stretch of road. 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.”

This funding will be utilized by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in its ongoing efforts to expand US-25 to four lanes in Laurel County near Corbin. This section of US-25 is a major connector between Corbin and London, and currently experiences an average of 13,000-15,000 vehicles travelled daily. Reconstructing US-25 in this area will improve safety and reduce congestion while creating opportunities for business creation and put road contractors to work. This important project is also included in Kentucky’s 2008 Highway Plan, as approved by the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly. Recent studies indicate that highway spending yields a 32% annual return on investments measured over decades, which far exceeds most other public or private investments.

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