Feb 21, 2026
LTADD outlines 2026 legislative priorities focused on infrastructure, economic growth and community well-being across eight Kentucky counties
The Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) worked with its eight counties to develop a list of regional priorities for local legislators during the 2026 Legislative Session.
LTADD is a driving force behind regional progress. The 2026 Legislative Priorities booklet outlines a strategic vision for continued growth and prosperity across Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties. These priorities address critical areas including infrastructure, economic development, social services and public safety.
The LTADD region is experiencing unprecedented growth, with significant business and industry investments, including Nucor Steel, Morris Packaging and the expanding bourbon industry. However, this growth brings growing pains, particularly increased demands on infrastructure and public safety.
To address these challenges, LTADD has identified funding priorities for the region, including substantial investments in transportation and regional resources/utilities. Eight recommended transportation projects aim to create safe and efficient means of multimodal movement for people, goods and services. Key objectives include implementing mass transit systems, improving highways and reducing congestion with projects like Hardin County’s Glendale Bypass and Meade County’s Brandenburg Bypass.
Equally crucial are the nine regional resource and utility projects. The goal is to grow capacity to ensure all citizens, stakeholders and businesses have access to clean, safe drinking water, sewer, gas and electricity. This includes expanding water treatment plants, water line networks and natural gas transmission, as well as enhancing regional airport infrastructure.
LTADD’s priorities extend beyond physical infrastructure to the well-being of its residents. Child care is a significant focus, with efforts to increase capacity in rural communities through partnerships with organizations like Wonderschool. This initiative aims to support families and enable workforce participation.
Fort Knox, a vital economic and national defense asset, is also a key priority. LTADD seeks to protect Fort Knox’s value by addressing housing shortages for service members, supporting compatible land use around the installation and providing tax credits to retain veteran talent and maximize military spouse employment opportunities.
The Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC), a crucial partner in social services, is another area of focus. LTADD emphasizes empowering individuals and families in poverty through programs like Head Start, employment support and nutritional resources. With a total regional impact of $22,428,546, these programs highlight the breadth of their work.
LTADD also addresses the strain on public safety, highlighting the need for EMS and Jail Regional Impact subsidies. The financial burden on county governments due to rising costs for EMS, jail and sheriff’s office budgets is unsustainable; legislative assistance is crucial to ensure these essential services remain adequately funded.
LTADD is committed to providing solutions to municipalities, counties, nonprofits, businesses and industries when they need it most. This includes the work of all LTADD divisions:
CASE: Community Aging & Social Engagement
FACT: Finance, Administration & Compliance Team
CAPE: Community Asset Planning & Engineering
CRED: Community & Regional Economic Development
LINC: Lincoln Trail Communications
Click here to read the entire 2026 Legislative Priorities document.
The Lincoln Trail Area Development District serves the Kentucky counties of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington.