Kentucky distributes $11.3 million in CMAQ Improvement Program funds

Feb. 7, 2023

Vehicle replacement projects at three transit agencies, as well as one active transportation project were among the projects awarded funds.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Lextran will receive $3 million in CMAQ funds.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) distributed $11.3 million in funds through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program to seven projects that will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Among the seven projects to benefit from the funding are three transit agencies and one municipal government with an active transportation project.

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) will receive $2.84 million to replace diesel buses with four electric-diesel buses for use on fixed routes. In August 2022, the authority was also awarded a $3.1 million grant through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low- and No-Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Program. TANK’s current fleet of 100 buses includes 23 hybrid vehicles.

Lextran in Lexington, Ky., will receive $3 million to replace four diesel buses with compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and six gas-powered cutaway paratransit vehicles with hybrid electric vehicles. Lextran’s fleet includes more than 65 CNG, battery-electric, hybrid-electric and diesel vehicles.

“With this award, Lextran will become an even more reliable and climate-friendly option for the community,” Lextran General Manager Jill Barnett said. “Replacing four diesel buses with lower emissions CNG and six gas-powered paratransit vehicles with hybrid-electric alternatives will help modernize Lextran’s fleet and improve air quality in our region.”

TARC will receive $1.75 million in CMAQ funds.

Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in Louisville, Ky., will receive $1.75 million to replace two diesel buses with electric buses. TARC also received $7.4 million from the FTA’s latest round of Low-No grants to purchase vehicles, supporting infrastructure and provide training to new and current mechanics.

The Louisville Jefferson County Metro Government will receive $876,000 to complete the LaGrange Road corridor, which will deliver bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including the construction of sidewalks, bike lanes, a shared-use path and intersection improvements.

“We’re excited to support these projects that will benefit drivers, riders and pedestrians alike in these bustling communities,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “They promote cleaner air by reducing carbon emissions through the use of alternative fuel vehicles and upgrading our transportation system to minimize idling.”

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.