Owensboro is joining the federal interstate system. The Natcher Parkway will become an interstate spur connecting Owensboro to I-65 in Bowling Green.
Mayor Ron Payne says the designation has been years in the making and will be a major boost to tourism.
"We have an international bluegrass music center and museum that's under construction, and with our riverfront and all the conventions we're having, I think to finally get Owensboro on that interstate map is really going to be a boost to economic development here," Payne told WKU Public Radio.
Governor Matt Bevin will make the official announcement Friday afternoon at the Owensboro Riverport Authority. Signage will be unveiled designating the Natcher Parkway as a future interstate spur connector. Bevin is expected to offer more details in the news conference, including a start and end date for the project.
The state budget includes $66 million in construction funds for Daviess, Ohio, Butler, and Warren Counties for upgrading the Natcher Parkway to interstate standards.
