Central Kentucky Community Action receives $1.6 million to offset costs during pandemic

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Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has been awarded nearly $22.9 million for relief of public transit agencies that have been hit hard by the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The funding, part of the CARES Act, is from the Federal Transit Administration. KYTC will distribute the money to 17 public transit agencies across Kentucky. Central Kentucky Community Action, which serves a seven county area, including Grayson County, will receive $1,642,101. The organization also serves Breckinridge, Edmonson, Hart, LaRue, Marion, and Nelson counties.

The funding will sustain the transit agencies by covering some operational expenses, including administrative leave for employees forced to self-isolate because of exposure to people infected with COVID-19.

“Public transit agencies and their employees are a lifeline to thousands of Kentuckians who depend on them for daily transportation,” Beshear said. “For those Kentuckians, the bus service is how they get to doctor appointments, the grocery and other essential locations.”

Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray noted that public transit agencies have lost ridership because of the pandemic and have experienced much employee time lost to illness.

“These agencies are struggling financially, and this funding is sorely needed to keep services running and our people protected,” Gray said.

By Ken Howlett, News Director, and the Associated Press

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com