‘We must invest in our infrastructure,’ Governor says

FRANKFORT, Ky -- On July 13th, Governor Andy Beshear joined with state and local officials to ceremonially present $6.75 million in funding for a new transit center and parking garage to anchor redevelopment of the Capital Plaza area in downtown Frankfort.

“To build a better Kentucky, we must invest in our infrastructure. And this includes funding for better – and more accessible – transportation facilities,” Gov. Beshear said in a news conference that included Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray and Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson.

“Our Kentucky families depend on safe roads and bridges, public transportation options and a robust infrastructure system to get to school, work and places of worship,” Gov. Beshear said. “Team Kentucky is working hard to ensure our communities have safe and efficient transportation systems in place for our people and for ongoing economic growth.”

Gov. Beshear presented a ceremonial check representing two grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The larger grant is $5.5 million from the FTA CARES grant, which provided funding to help transit agencies across the country keep operating at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city also received a $1.25 million through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, made possible by the FTA Section 5311 Program.

Secretary Gray said the Transportation Cabinet was pleased to assist the City of Frankfort through FTA grant programs. “We understand that creating jobs and building a great city takes an all-hands-on-deck approach, and this investment will ensure Frankfort has the support to keep moving forward,” he said.

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson said the new transit center and garage will be “a key driver of our downtown masterplan.”

“Frankfort is on the move, and we are incredibly grateful to Gov. Beshear and Secretary Gray for their support of this transformative project,” Mayor Wilkerson said.

The proposed facility is to include a 300-space parking garage and, at ground level, a 5,000-square-foot enclosed building for Frankfort Transit administrative offices and transit user public space. In addition to Frankfort Transit operations, parking spaces will be available for general public use and nearby hotel and commercial development. Plans also include electric vehicle charging stations.