Interstate 69
As a member of the Congressional I-69 caucus, I have worked to ensure that this trade “super highway” becomes a reality. I-69 accounts for over 63 percent of the nation's trade with Canada and Mexico. The trade linkage created by I-69 will enhance economic development and create zones of economic opportunity for all of Kentucky. The Corridor passing through the First District will run from Indianapolis, Indiana to Houston, Texas and is expected to create 27,000 jobs, add $11 billion in wages, produce $19 billion in added value, and create $11 billion transportation efficiency benefit.
The route I-69 will follow in Kentucky is located exclusively in the First District. I-69 in Kentucky will cross the Ohio River in Henderson, which will require a new bridge, follows the Pennyrile Parkway to eight miles south of Madisonville, then turn west on the Western Kentucky Parkway to Eddyville. From Eddyville, I-69 will run on Interstate 24 to Calvert City where it turns South on the Purchase Parkway to run through Mayfield to the Kentucky-Tennessee State Line at Fulton. Recently, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet designated the I-69 route through the First District by posting “Future I-69” signs on existing parkways. I am pleased that the State realizes the importance of the interstate and is advancing the project. The total cost for parkway upgrades and the new Ohio River bridges is expected to be nearly $1.2 billion.
Waterborne Transportation
Kentucky’s waterways are essential to the Commonwealth’s economy, as the port system provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to transport bulk products. The First District plays a vital role in the nation’s water transportation, as four major navigable rivers- the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Tennessee and the Cumberland - flow through or by western Kentucky. This important means of transportation facilitates transportation to the Gulf of Mexico for overseas trade and provides economic opportunities for all of Kentucky.
Two essential pieces to the waterborne infrastructure in Kentucky are the Kentucky Lock and Dam and Olmstead Lock and Dam, both of which are currently undergoing expansion by creating a completely new lock and dam at both facilities. The project at Kentucky Lock and Dam has an average annual benefit of $70.7 million when completed, and the project is expected to be finished by 2013 at a total cost of $642 million. Expanding Kentucky Lock will help protect hundreds of Kentucky jobs and help ship products more quickly to more than 23 other states. Olmstead Lock and Dam is also being expanded to facilitate larger barges and reduce costly delays. The total cost of this project is $1.4 billion. I believe that a safe and efficient lock and dam system is essential to ensuring our economy continues to thrive.
Aviation
I have worked to secure funding for improving general aviation and commercial airports throughout the First District. During my time in Congress many airports in the First District including Barkley Regional Airport, Madisonville Airport, Henderson City/County Airport, Hanson Airport, Marion/Crittenden Airport, and the Hopkinsville Airport, have either extended runways and/or constructed additional facilities, such as fuel farms and terminals.
As a result of my efforts and nearly $50 million in federal funds that have come to the First District over the past several years, our airports are expanding their operations and providing residents and visitors with improved facilities and more flying options in the First District. Airports are also an important tool for economic development and a vital link in transportation infrastructure. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to continue funding for airport improvement programs.
Useful Links
www.dot.gov
www.usace.army.mil/
http://transportation.ky.gov/
www.faa.gov
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