Urban Council starts discussions on how to make most of $120 million

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – It’s a big deal, a really big deal. And Lexington Fayette County Urban County Council members know it.

They said as much Thursday afternoon as they started discussing the estimated $120 million the county will get in federal stimulus money.

Thursday’s three-hour work session was part of laying out a plan to make the most of the money. The county already has $60 million and the rules for how it can be spent.

Another $60 million will come later. Things like roads, sewers, and other long-term community improvement projects are the target to make a lasting difference.

“We don’t want this to be a one and off deal where we spend some money and five years later no one knows what happened to it. We’re very conscious of the fact this is a one-time opportunity and a big opportunity for the community. We anticipate it will make a great difference in many ways and that’s what we’ll be working on,” Vice Mayor Steve Kay said of the discussions.

The Council hopes to finalize a plan this summer to discuss with the community. The money has to be spent by 2024.