Beshear: far West Kentucky transit agencies approved for FTA funding

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that Purchase area counties will use funding he authorized to improve transportation opportunities.

"Kentuckians deserve reliable and accessible buses and vans to get to and from work, school, church, and more – and those opportunities should be available to every single community," Beshear said.

The federal funding, to which Beshear's administration adds $2.9 million for a total of $14.4 million, will be used to purchase 42 transit vehicles, 12 of which will replace older vehicles. The other 30 vehicles represent expansions of service.

Funding also will be used to build, repair or expand seven transit facilities and purchase transit equipment, such as generators, laptops, and software.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Transportation Delivery administers the federal funding. "These new buses, vans, equipment, and upgraded facilities will improve safety, service and reliability and at the same time cut maintenance costs for the local transit agencies," said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.

The transit agencies and counties they serve are: Murray County Transit Authority – Calloway Count; Paducah Transit Authority; and Ballard, Graves, Marshall and McCracken counties