Third-Largest Federal Transportation Grant in State History

SOMERSET, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) held a press conference in Somerset on Tuesday to announce an $85 million federal grant for construction of Somerset’s Northern Bypass. Congressman Rogers has secured a total of $167 million in federal funding for the project, including two Community Project Funding earmarks totaling $82 million from fiscal years 2026 and 2024. 

The $85 million “Infrastructure for Rebuilding America” (INFRA) grant is the third-largest federal transportation grant in state history. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s office called Congressman Rogers on Monday to deliver the good news. 

“We are going to blast through rock walls to open up a new expressway for southern Kentucky. This 8-mile bypass paves the way for I-365, linking us east to west from I-65 to I-75 and on throughout Eastern Kentucky,” said Congressman Rogers, a senior appropriator on the House Appropriations Committee. “With $167 million in federal funding now in place, construction of the new northern bypass can now move forward. It will be a large-scale improvement for safety, connectivity and job creation in southern Kentucky.” 

“This is a tremendous investment in the future of Pulaski County and Southern Kentucky,” said State Representative Ken Upchurch. “I want to thank Congressman Hal Rogers for continuing to fight for the resources our communities need to improve transportation and create new opportunities for economic growth. The Northern Bypass is beyond a road project. It is an investment in the future of this region.”

“All roads lead to Pulaski County and the 5th Congressional District. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Hal Rogers for including Pulaski County Government in this important project,” said Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd. “From the very beginning of this administration, strengthening the partnership between our office and our congressional delegation has been a priority. The Northern Bypass represents yet another significant step forward in that partnership and will help lay the foundation for an East-West highway system connecting communities from I-65 to I-75, opening the door to new opportunities from Paducah, through Pulaski County, all the way to Pikeville. We look forward to seeing the tremendous benefits this project will bring to Pulaski County and communities across the region.”

With $167 million secure for the project, construction could begin as early as the summer of 2027.

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.