McConnell responds: Despite detractors, I’m delivering important projects to Ky.

An opinion piece on this editorial page recently critiqued my record of achievement for Kentucky. While the tone was negative, it actually highlighted my effectiveness as Senate Majority Leader to deliver for the Commonwealth time and again.

It then went on to complain about my work with President Trump and his administration to ensure Kentucky punches above its weight in Washington.

So, I’d like to ask the previous writer one question: Which of the projects I’ve helped secure would Kentucky be better off without?

I’m consistently putting our Commonwealth’s priorities at the center of the national discussion. As the only congressional leader not from New York or California, I proudly work with both Republican and Democratic Administrations to help Kentucky succeed. I think most Kentuckians are pleased that somebody from our state has this kind of clout in Washington.

For example, the previous column noted how I helped both Owensboro and Boone County receive competitive federal transportation grants from the Trump administration. However, it failed to include a similar Obama-era grant I helped bring right here to Central Kentucky. In 2016, I partnered with former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, a Democrat, to secure $14.1 million for the Town Branch Commons Corridor Project, an innovative park and trail system being built downtown.

Families in Madison County know I’ve led the federal effort since the Reagan Administration for the safe disposal of the chemical weapons stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates even noted in his memoir my commitment to this project throughout his tenure with both the Bush and Obama Administrations. Last year, we saw the results as we cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art munitions neutralization facility.

In 2015, Congressman Hal Rogers and I championed legislation—signed into law by President Obama—that established the AML Pilot Program to help revitalize Eastern Kentucky. From this program alone, we’ve delivered more than $100 million to fund important economic development projects like building a new children’s hospital, establishing a wildlife viewing area and upgrading local water infrastructure, among other projects.

In the recent government funding bills, I directed nearly $66 million for a new agricultural research center at UK. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m advancing our Commonwealth’s priorities and helping Central Kentucky, rightfully known as a national leader in high-tech agricultural research.

The application process for federal grants is extremely rigorous, and Kentuckians repeatedly ask me for help. Their projects often must compete against applications from high-population states like New York or California. That’s why I place a heavy emphasis on supporting Kentucky’s applicants so they receive the fair shot they deserve.

Last year alone, I partnered with approximately 30 Kentucky communities and organizations on their successful applications to over a dozen federal agencies. As a result, we secured more than $200 million in federal grant funding for worthy causes across the Commonwealth.

One of those causes is right here in Lexington. Researchers at UK and I teamed up to fight the opioid epidemic by securing the largest federal grant in the school’s history. On UK’s behalf, I wrote to and even met with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to explain why Kentucky was the right choice. Our hard work paid off, and UK’s bold plan to reduce opioid overdose deaths has the federal support it needs to succeed.

I’m glad to have a partner in President Trump who also values rural America, and I’m proud of the impact these projects will have for generations to come.

For the Kentuckians who would like assistance navigating the competitive federal grant process, please let me know. My office stands ready to support you, and I hope you’ll call (859) 224-8286 or visit my website, www.mcconnell.senate.gov.

I’m constantly working to deliver for Kentucky families—regardless of who’s in the White House or leading a federal agency. That’s exactly what you sent me to Washington to do.

Mitch McConnell is Senate Majority Leader and the senior senator from Kentucky.