Daviess County Fiscal Court will only be responsible for a fraction of the cost it originally committed toward a feasibility study for a new interchange along I-165, thanks to a state grant awarded through Kentucky’s GRANT program.
While the study is still in its early stages, officials previously said they are particularly interested in assessing KY 142 as a potential location for the interchange.
Public hearings will be scheduled once the study is underway, allowing residents to provide input. Officials say the project’s impact on safety, emergency response times, and economic development will be key factors in determining whether to move forward with the interchange.
Once finished, the study’s findings will determine whether the interchange is a viable option. Even if recommended, officials have cautioned that the actual construction process could take years.
The study, led locally by the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is supported by an 80/20 federal grant. With the study already receiving $160,000 in federal highway funds, the remaining $40,000 is the responsibility of the local government.
In February, Fiscal Court voted 3-1 to pass a resolution to apply for the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) program in an effort to cover that local match. County Commissioner Janie Marksberry was the lone dissenting vote, saying she didn’t think an interchange is necessary and also claiming it’s an attempt to start an outer loop.
During Thursday’s Fiscal Court meeting, Treasurer Jordan Johnson explained that the county had received $38,095 from the GRANT, meaning the county is only responsible for just under $2,000.
“This project, out of pocket, is only about $1,900 locally after that match,” Commissioner Larry Conder said. “This is one of those things that’s kind of touchy for some, especially those that might be living in these areas. But this is like planting a tree, knowing you’ll never sit under the shade. Hopefully it becomes something that helps future growth, development, safety — all those things.”
The Court unanimously approved acceptance of the grant agreement. The MPO is expected to begin the interchange feasibility study later this year.
