Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has announced that two road programs will continue in fiscal year 2017, despite falling gas tax revenue as prices at the pump remain low.
The Flex Funds program, started in 2009 under Gov. Steve Beshear, allows local governments to fix roads by using a portion of the state’s motor fuels tax income. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says nearly all counties have made use of these funds, particularly in times of emergency.
“Maybe during some flash flooding where a bridge or a major culvert gets washed out," Todd said. "These funds help the counties to get through some of those critical costs of making immediate repairs.”
Todd said these programs could be affected in future years if gas prices remain low.
“There are fewer funds to go around, so at some point, we have to reduce the amount of money that we’re spending," Todd said. "But the governor has apparently made a commitment here to try to help the counties out at least through this next year.”
Bevin will also continue the KYTC’s 80/20 Bridge Replacement Program, which helps local governments repair or replace some smaller county bridges with a 20 percent local match. The KYTC approves those projects on a case-by-case basis.
Both programs are a part of the KYTC's Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.
