WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) secured a $45 million Community Project Funding earmark for Somerset’s Northern Bypass in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which was signed into law on March 9, 2024. The new road will connect the Hal Rogers Parkway at the KY 461 interchange to the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway at the US 27 interchange. 
 
“This new bypass is the next step to creating a four-lane expressway through our region to generate more economic development and tourism opportunities, with safer and more accessible roads,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I have been working diligently with federal, state and local officials to map out important transportation projects in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. This earmark will pave the way for the Northern Bypass that we have envisioned for many years.” 

State legislators also included the Northern Bypass project in the Kentucky Senate and House budget proposals for the Commonwealth's six-year transportation plan. 

“I want to thank Congressman Rogers for all of his efforts to help make our communities stronger and more vibrant. The funding he has secured will be critical in getting this bypass project done,” said State Senator Rick Girdler (R-Somerset). “I’m currently having discussions and am advocating to maintain the $14.3 million in the House’s road plan proposal to support the design, right-of-way, and utility work for this important project. This project would serve as a game-changer not only for our burgeoning region but the whole state because a rising tide will lift all ships."

"The Somerset Northern Bypass will improve how we move people and goods, creating a vital connection between the eastern and western parts of the commonwealth," said State Rep. Ken Upchurch, Kentucky House Chair of Budget Review on the Transportation Subcommittee.  "The federal funding that Congressman Rogers secured is a perfect example of his continued commitment to our region." 

The Northern Bypass will seamlessly connect to the new interchange that was completed last year at KY 461 and KY 80 near the Valley Oak Technology Park in Pulaski County. 
 
“We are very appreciative of Congressman Rogers for including Pulaski County Government in this project,” said Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd. “Strengthening the relationship between county government and our congressional office has been a top priority of this administration from the very beginning, and the Northern Bypass project is the next step in that local and federal partnership. Beyond Pulaski County, this funding will facilitate an East-West highway system across Southern Kentucky. It will provide connections from I-65 to I-75 and economic growth opportunities from Paducah to Pulaski to Pikeville.”
 
In total, Congressman Rogers secured 15 Community Project Funding earmarks in the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act totaling nearly $86 million, along with other important wins for Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Learn more about recent federal funding that Congressman Rogers voted for, by visiting halrogers.house.gov.
 
For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.