State, Local Officials React To Half Million In Edmonson Road, Bridge Improvement Allowance From State

Brownsville bridge facing north. (EV File photo)

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
During Monday’s Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting, Department of Rural and Municipal Aid representative Mark Welch announced $523,053 in discretionary funds for vital resurfacing work on six county roads, as well as bridge repairs on the North Main Street bridge, as reported by the Edmonson Voice on Monday. 

Both state and county officials responded with statements.

“The Bevin Administration continues to focus on taking care of what we have at both the state and local level to address critical infrastructure needs that improve safety and support job creation and retention,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Greg Thomas. “This funding builds upon existing transportation investments and allows the Cabinet to collaborate with local governments to identify projects that will have large impacts to communities.”

According to a statement from KY Transportation Cabinet District 3, these roads were identified as being among the most critical in the county.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon reacted to the amount.

"Today I saw something I had never seen before. After Mark Welch read the letter from Commissioner Tomblyn the Fiscal Court and audience gave an applause. We were all thrilled about the announcement," said Cannon.  "On behalf of Edmonson County Fiscal Court I thank Governor Bevin, Commissioner Tomblyn and staff, Mark Welch, Joe Plunk and his staff for making Edmonson County better and safer."

Some of the roads serve as school bus and postal routes and provide needed access to several farms, homes and churches.

“As we continue to build our state's economy to historic levels, investment in our current infrastructure is vital to our communities,” said Sen. Stephen Meredith. “I appreciate our Governor's commitment to making sure our rural communities are a part of this endeavor.  This investment in roads in Edmonson County will help the county be on par with every other county in Kentucky in providing safe highways for our citizens and businesses within the area.”

The North Main Street Bridge over Green River in Brownsville serves 7,000-8,000 vehicles a day. Repairs will address signs of aging on the sidewalk and bridge railing to maintain the safety of the bridge for pedestrians.

“It is critically important that we provide support for needed road and bridge projects in a rural area like ours, and I’m happy to see the Transportation Cabinet allocate this significant level of funding,” said Rep. Michael Meredith. “These funds are a strong step toward improving the quality of our area’s infrastructure, as it will help maintain some of our deteriorating roads and bridges.
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The Edmonson County Fiscal Court is responsible for administering the work, and KYTC will reimburse the county for the projects.