Senator Mitch McConnell Visits PATS!

(PADUCAH, KY) Senator Mitch McConnell visited Paducah Area Transit System (PATS) this morning for a special ceremony, during which he presented PATS with a check for $2.3 million dollars, which includes $1.9 million procured by Senator McConnell.
Senator McConnell praised Paducah Area Transit System for it’s work, and local leadership in Paducah and McCracken County for the way it presents a united effort in identifying needs and applying for federal funds, and then making efficient use of the funding it receives.

Kentucky's senior senator and Senate Minority Leader remarked, "Why do we do it? We do it because it helps low-income people. We do it because it's good for the environment, and the federal government has traditionally provided some assistance and I've tried to divert a significant amount of that to PATS over the years because I think they do a wonderful job."

"The support Paducah Transit Authority has received from Senator McConnell over the years has been greatly appreciated," remarked PATS Executive Director Kim Adair. "His continued support to Paducah Transit Authority has allowed us to enhance our service to the community."

"The current funding he has secured for Paducah Transit Authority will be used for covered vehicle parking on the property across the street, hybrid buses, hybrid long-distance vehicles, solar bus shelters with solar signs, office computers, maintenance equipment and remodeling." Adair added, "Senator McConnell is a great friend to public transit and Western Kentucky and we are honored to have him as our Senator."

Paducah Mayor Bill Paxton praised Senator McConnell for his support of PATS and Western Kentucky, remarking because of Senator McConnell, Paducah has the best transit of any city its size. McCracken County Judge Executive Van Newberry even rode the PATS Downtown Trolley over to the presentation, and observed that the importance of public transportation to our citizens and our environment is the reason the McCracken County Fiscal Court has increased its financial support of PATS in the past year.