KENTUCKY — Senators in Washington are hammering down details of the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, with a procedural vote scheduled for this weekend. But what would the historic investment mean for bridges and roadways in the Commonwealth? 

Kentucky’s piece of the pie would add up to around $5.5 billion. In a state whose infrastructure recently earned a C- from the American Society of Civil Engineers, that kind of investment can do wonders for roads, bridges and more.

Here’s a breakdown of what the bill means for Kentucky.

 

There are over 1,000 bridges and over 1,322 miles of highway in poor condition across the Commonwealth. Since 2011, experts estimate commute times have increased by 6.3% in Kentucky and on average, each driver pays $444 per year in costs due to driving on roads in desperate need of repair.

The Brent Spence Bridge connects Northern Kentucky to Cincinnati, Ohio. Officials have said it's been in disrepair for years and causes traffic headaches almost daily. (File Photo)

Based on formula funding, Kentucky would expect to receive $4.6 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $438 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years, the White House said.

The state can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges, which could provide long-awaited solutions for Northern Kentucky's Brent Spence Bridge, a dated structure often highlighted to push for much-needed infrastructure improvements.

Though electric vehicles aren't too commonplace in some areas of Kentucky, the state would expect to receive $69 million over five years to support the expansion of its EV charging network. Kentucky will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.

Additionally, Kentucky would receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 227,000 Kentuckians – 17% of households – who currently lack it.

The Senate is working this weekend to approve final amendments and language for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with a final vote expected any day. If approved by the chamber, it heads to the House of Representatives.

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