WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stopped at Boundary Oak Distillery, a small business in Hardin County, today to announce the Transit Authority of Central Kentucky (TACK) received a $2,037,920 competitive federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Senator McConnell contacted the FTA in support of TACK’s grant application.
“The dedicated professionals at TACK provide a critical service for Kentucky’s seniors, veterans, servicemembers and workers. I was proud to support TACK’s program and to help secure the necessary funding to upgrade their fleet,” said Senator McConnell. “Safe and efficient transportation systems help encourage economic growth and give families the chance to thrive. Along with my friend Congressman Guthrie, it was a privilege to help deliver for the future of Kentucky.”
According to TACK, the federal grant funding will help purchase replacement buses to improve the safety and reliability of the region’s public transportation. Serving residents of Hardin and Meade counties, TACK transports veterans, Fort Knox personnel, seniors, Medicaid recipients, and the general public to their work, medical appointments, volunteer opportunities and more.
“I’m proud to join Senator McConnell in announcing this award for Hardin and Meade Counties,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Kentuckians need reliable transportation to get to and from work, and this grant will help grow the Hardin and Meade County economies while ensuring that residents have safe, affordable transportation options. This grant will allow TACK to improve their existing fleet of buses and construct new bus facilities. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator McConnell to ensure that the Second District gets the resources it needs.”
“I want to thank Senator McConnell for his help in securing these resources for our region,” said Glenn Arney, Acting Executive Director of Transit Authority of Central Kentucky. “Kentucky relies upon public transportation in Central Kentucky for our seniors, and handicapped residents who require critical medical care and have no other affordable means of transportation. TACK also proudly serves the veterans who so proudly served our country. In addition, TACK supports the community by providing public transportation necessary for individuals to join the local workforce, benefitting themselves and the community. The economic health and growth in the region are greatly supported by public transportation. We are so appreciative to Senator McConnell for his help in providing these vital resources.”
“As Hardin County continues to grow and flourish, reliable public transportation is becoming increasingly more vital,” said Hardin County Judge/Executive Harry L. Berry. “The resources this grant provides are extremely important in allowing TACK to continue offering reliable public transportation to the citizens of Hardin County. Thank you to Senator McConnell for his unwavering support of Hardin County and for helping us to secure this much needed funding.”
In addition to today’s announcement, TACK received $4,362,293 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell and Congressman Guthrie championed the CARES Act, which became the largest rescue package in American history, to deliver urgent relief to Kentucky families, workers, small businesses and healthcare heroes. So far, the CARES Act is making a $12 billion impact across Kentucky.
