(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — More than $18.1 million is headed to Marshall County for road, bridge and highway improvements after state Rep. Chris Freeland, R-Benton, and Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, secured the funding through several pieces of state road-related budget legislation.
The bulk of the investment comes through House Bill 502, the state’s biennial road plan, which targets projects aimed at improving safety, mobility and access throughout the county.
Among the largest allocations is $8.75 million for pavement and condition improvements along Interstate 69, a critical regional corridor. Another $7.5 million will fund construction to improve access and ease congestion along US Highway 62, from KY Highway 95 to the existing four-lane section near the I-24 interchange and future I-69 connection.
Additional biennial plan funding includes $1.5 million for design work to correct geometric deficiencies along US Highway 641 in the Draffenville area, and $1.53 million to replace the bridge on KY Highway 795 at Chestnut Creek.
Carroll also announced $413,000 secured through the Local Assistance Road Program, House Joint Resolution 76, designated to resurface Big Bear Highway.
“These are meaningful investments that will improve safety and strengthen key transportation corridors across Marshall County,” Carroll said, adding praise for Freeland and local leaders in identifying the county’s priorities.
Freeland framed the funding in practical terms for residents. “Folks in Marshall County know these roads aren’t just lines on a map — they’re how we get to work, get our kids to school and keep our local economy moving,” he said. “This funding takes on real congestion issues, improves safety on heavily traveled routes like US 62 and I-69, and makes sure we’re building for the future, not just patching the past.”
Additional Funding Available for Local Governments
The legislators also highlighted several new grant opportunities available to counties and cities over the coming years.
Over the next two years, $50 million statewide will be directed to the County-City Bridge Improvement Program for rehabilitation and replacement of county and city-owned bridges. Local governments must apply through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to access those funds.
In fiscal year 2027, a new $24 million grant pool will offer up to $100,000 each to counties and county-seat cities for transportation projects such as road widenings, sidewalks and paving — with a required dollar-for-dollar match from local governments. If a county seat does not use its full allotment, other cities within the county may apply for the remainder.
In fiscal year 2028, lawmakers are directing an additional $13 million to counties and $13 million to cities through the state’s revenue-sharing formula, distributed based on population.
