February 14, 2003

Rogers: Tollbooths on Daniel Boone & Cumberland Parkways are Coming Down

LEXINGTON, KY -- U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-5) announced today that he has obtained $13 million in federal funding to eliminate tollbooths on the Daniel Boone and Cumberland Parkways in southern and eastern Kentucky.

"For far too long access to southern and eastern Kentucky has been limited by expensive and time consuming highway tolls," said Rogers. "The elimination of these tolls is a major step forward for our region and will help spur economic growth and create more opportunities for the people in southern and eastern Kentucky. For the first time in decades businesses will have free and unfettered access to our towns and industrial parks. The elimination of these tollbooths also will help attract visitors to our region and allow us to showcase Kentucky's natural beauty and rich heritage. Today we are sending a clear message -- southern and eastern Kentucky is open for business and ready for visitors."

The State of Kentucky currently owes $26 million in bonds for all of the toll roads in Kentucky. The federal funding obtained by Rogers will be used by the state to eliminate the tolls on the Daniel Boone and Cumberland Parkways. This funding relieves a large portion of Kentucky's parkway burden and will allow the state to refinance their bonds at a lower interest rate.

The funding is included in the final version of the FY 2003 Omnibus bill, which is comprised of 11 different federal spending bills. The Congress approved the Thursday night. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law as early as next week.