The Kentucky House has put its stamp of approval on a two-year road plan. The vote came after some dramatic testimony on the House floor. Dry Ridge Representative Brian Linder expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of funding for an interchange project to help traffic flow around the Ark Encounter Park in northern Kentucky.
“And at some point, we really need to stop worrying about who’s in control of this House and start recognizing who’s in control of the universe,” said Linder. “For pulling this money, the only thing I can think of is either you got something against me, or you got something against God.”
Transportation Budget Review Subcommittee Chair Leslie Combs responded, saying she does believe in God. Combs said funds for projects are about a half billion dollars less than what was available two years ago. She said fewer gas tax revenues greatly diminished available funds for projects.
Jackson Representative Howard Custer says that impact on revenue makes it hard to complain about funding. “You can’t vote for less money and then expect to get more money," he said. "You know, when you vote to lower a tax and you come back in here and say ‘well we need this funded and that funded,’ maybe I’m not the most intelligent person here, but that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me."
The budget includes funds for the continued expansion of the Mountain Parkway, for work to add lanes on Interstate 75 in Rockcastle County, and $250 million for bridge projects across the state. The road budget goes on to the Senate where it’s likely to get a cool reception.
