Kentucky and Ohio have officially submitted a request for nearly $2 billion in federal funding for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. The two states are seeking $1.66 billion in federal funding through the Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant. The grant request represents approximately 60% of the estimated $2.77 billion project cost.

Legislators allocated $250 million in potential matching funds for major transportation projects, including the Brent Spence Bridge. Kentucky and Ohio will evenly split the project costs, with each state responsible for work on its side of the border.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the funding model would allow a new bridge without tolls.

The project will include a companion bridge next to the existing Brent Spence Bridge to improve traffic flow and safety. More than 160,000 vehicles per day travel the current bridge, which represents twice the 1963 design capacity. Trucks haul approximately 3% of the nation’s annual gross domestic product over the bridge each year.

“The City of Covington is proud to be part of the regional coalition that supports this critical project locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Covington Mayor and KLC Board member Joseph Meyer. “We fully support this funding request and look forward to the successful completion of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.”

Kentucky League of Cities Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney submitted a letter on behalf of KLC in support of the grant application. More than 200 cities and other organizations also presented letters backing the effort.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that engineering work on the project would move forward as the federal government considers the application.