Stretch of W. KY. PKWY. could become new interstate

KENTUCKY (WFIE) - The Western Kentucky Parkway could soon become the newest interstate in the Bluegrass State.

Legislation, that’s now made its way to the U.S. Senate, could designate a stretch of the parkway as a spur of I-69. It would be designated as Interstate-569.

The spur will run from the Pennyrile Parkway to the Natcher Parkway.

This could mean new economic opportunities for Muhlenberg and Ohio Counties.

Director of Business for the Muhlenberg Alliance for Progress Gary Jones said for Muhlenberg County this could mean new business for the Paradise Business Park. The park currently sits just off of the current Western Kentucky Parkway.

“From the marketing area, its definitely going to be a plus," said Jones.

Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Curtis McGehee said this news is a “Christmas gift” for the county.

“Economic Development is our lifeline," said McGehee. "With the closure of TVA anticipated as far as their coal-burning unit goes, we are in desperate need of industry, and we believe this will heighten our chance of landing industry and industries in the county.”

Muhlenberg County isn’t going to be the only county cashing in. Part of the spur will run through Ohio County, too. This could be the second spur to come to the county recently. The William Natcher Parkway was designated as Interstate 165 earlier this year.

“But this is going to help us in that respect to create new industry and improve our tourism market," said Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston. "If its right on an interstate it’s big, and we’ve got all kinds of tourism draw here.”

The language to make this happen is packed into House Resolution 1865, an appropriations bill.

The measure still has to pass the Senate and then be signed by the president.

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