Gov. Andy Beshear says his administration has identified funding to restore at least $18 million to the Kentucky Road Fund following a temporary 10-cent-per-gallon reduction in the state gas tax.
Beshear signed an executive order in May declaring a state of emergency over rising gas prices stemming from the war in Iran. The administration estimated that the 10-cent reduction in the gas tax would save drivers approximately $28.8 million during its first month.
“I believe government is here to help people,” Beshear said during his weekly press briefing. “When others raised concerns about the hit it might be to our state or to local road funds, I shared that our priority should be helping our families as the war with Iran continues and that I would find a way to make up any potential hit.”
Several state legislators criticized the governor’s actions, arguing that the savings at the pump for each driver would be very small and come at a significant cost to the state Road Fund, which supports paving and road projects at the state and local levels.
The emergency declaration and reduced gas tax was extended through June for 33 counties and cities that requested it.
“My team has identified a source of funding coming to the state that can restore at least $18 million to our road fund, with more funding that I know is going to follow,” Beshear said.
