A milestone in the long-awaited designation of a portion of the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway as a federal interstate was reached Monday. An unveiling of the official signage for I-169 took place at the James E. Bruce Convention Center, an achievement that required more than 25 years of advocacy from policymakers.
The 33-mile section of the thoroughfare will connect I-24 in Hopkinsville with I-69 north along the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway northeast of Nortonville. Christian County Chamber President Kelli Pendleton says timing and those involved made all the difference.
State Representative Walker Thomas introduced HCR 90 last year that supported the designation and was signed into law by Governor Matt Bevin. Thomas was also instrumental in pushing for design and construction funding and says the timing was just right.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who was unable to attend, managed to secure the designation last year in an omnibus appropriations bill after Senator Rand Paul introduced legislation. Paul says transportation is something that brings both Democrats and Republicans together.
Congressman James Comer was also on hand and says the new status will be advantageous for marketing the region to business.
right-click to download mp3He adds he will be working toward getting a bridge along I-69 to connect Henderson and Evansville.
Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks left the audience with three words on how the designation came to be and what it represents: partnerships, persistence, and potential for growth.
right-click to download mp3
The signage itself was unveiled by the Federal Highway Administration’s Thomas Nelson along with Chamber Board Chair Taylor Hayes and Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble.
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