Taylor County received an early Christmas present, one that will have major economic development impact for years to come. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced Taylor County is the recipient of a $9.8 million award from its “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) grant program to complete the Heartland Parkway.
Taylor County officials are partnering with those in Marion County, the City of Campbellsville, and the City of Lebanon, to complete the Heartland Parkway project. The federal funding will be used to construct the Campbellsville Bypass—approximately 13.4 miles of the Heartland Parkway through Taylor and Marion counties. This much needed improvement to a heavily traveled corridor in Central Kentucky will serve as a gateway to several tourism destinations and help bolster the region’s economy.
“An efficient and safe road system is key to the economic future of Campbellsville and Central Kentucky,” said Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen. “This BUILD grant can help us complete critical infrastructure upgrades, including the Campbellsville Bypass, that can attract new visitors and help support good jobs”
“The BUILD grant is another investment into the future of Taylor County, and we’re grateful to have great advocates in Senator McConnell, Senator Paul and Congressman Comer, who helped steer these federal resources to our community,” Taylor County Judge-Executive Barry Smith said. “Improving this corridor will help traffic flow more easily, making our region a better destination for travelers, families, and economic activity.”
Senator Mitch McConnell, Congressman James Comer and Senator Rand Paul each contacted the Assistant Secretary at DOT in support of Taylor County Fiscal Court’s competitive federal grant application.
“Completing the Heartland Parkway project will not only enhance safety along Central Kentucky roadways, but it will also encourage new economic development in several Kentucky communities,” said Senator McConnell. “With this BUILD grant, we continue investing in this wonderful region and its bright future, and I was proud to work with several great local leaders, including Congressman James Comer, Taylor County Judge-Executive Barry Smith and Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen, to bring these federal resources to the Commonwealth.”
“Local officials in Campbellsville have been championing this project for years, and I’m thrilled to see that their hard work has paid off to secure this significant grant,” Congressman Comer said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside them to see that key improvements will be made to this corridor, further serving the area’s tourism and business development interests. Establishing these direct connections to major regional transportation channels, including the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway and the Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway, will ensure continued prosperity along this vital corridor primed for tourism and economic development.”
“Earlier this summer, I sent a letter to the Trump administration in support of their application to the Department of Transportation for a BUILD grant for the project, and I was excited to hear they received the grant,” said Senator Rand Paul.
Construction for the Heartland Parkway project is expected to be completed by November 2024. Ron McMahan, executive director of Team Taylor County led the local effort in coordinating the community’s BUILD grant application.
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our hard work and effort to advocate for this much needed funding,” said McMahan. “The Heartland Parkway is a cornerstone of our economic development growth and this grant will ensure that we have the infrastructure to further grow and support our business community, as well as our citizens and visitors. We truly appreciate all those that have been instrumental in bringing this to fruition.”
Learn more about how Taylor County’s location and infrastructure amenities are helping companies reach national and international markets on our Proximity to Market page.