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McConnell and Guthrie contacted Administration in support of designation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced today the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will maintain the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population threshold at 50,000, rejecting an earlier proposal to raise the threshold to 100,000. The increase could have jeopardized federal funding for nearly 150 communities across the country, including three in Kentucky: Bowling Green, Elizabethtown and Owensboro. Preserving their MSA designation safeguards these Kentucky communities’ access to crucial federal funding.

Earlier this year, Senator McConnell and Congressman Guthrie contacted Acting OMB Director Rob Fairweather on behalf of their constituents to express their opposition to changes to the MSA population threshold.

“Today’s good news is a win for Kentucky’s mid-sized communities, allowing them to avoid any potential loss of access to vital federal funds. After hearing from local leaders concerned about this potential change, I was happy to assist their efforts to oppose adjustments to the MSA designation population threshold,” said Senator McConnell. “I have been proud to fight for this issue alongside my friend, Congressman Guthrie, as we work to ensure all Kentucky communities are treated fairly.”

“I’m thrilled we were able to secure this victory for Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and Owensboro. Senator McConnell and I took action by contacting the Office of Management and Budget after hearing concerns from local officials. The proposal would have downgraded these three cities’ classification, which could have had a negative impact on economic development opportunities and eligibility for federal funding. I would like to thank local officials in Kentucky’s Second District for their proactiveness on this issue, and Senator McConnell for his partnership to ensure Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Owensboro could keep their current MSA designation,” said Congressman Guthrie.

“This is tremendous news for the city of Bowling Green and our entire metropolitan area. To say we were worried is an understatement. With this decision, we will continue to have the same great access to federal programs we have enjoyed since the MSA designation threshold was first set seventy years ago. As the fastest growing city in Kentucky, these funds are vital to our future development,” said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “We are incredibly grateful for Senator McConnell and Congressman Guthrie’s efforts to prevent the OMB from changing Bowling Green’s MSA status. Their help was crucial to winning this fight.”

“I am incredibly pleased with today’s decision and was proud to work with Senator McConnell and Representative Guthrie to reach this positive outcome. Because of their assistance, Hardin County will continue to have access to the critical federal funds needed to bolster our economic development and support our residents, soldiers, and military families,” said Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry Berry. “Both Senator McConnell and Congressman Guthrie were instrumental in opposing any changes to Elizabethtown’s MSA designation. Through their efforts, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting our community’s long-term prosperity.”

“When I first heard about the OMB’s potential decision to deny Owensboro MSA status, I knew I could count on Senator McConnell and Congressman Guthrie to stand up for Kentuckians and fight the change. Today, the trust I put in my federal representatives has been justified,” said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. “Owensboro residents can now be confident they will not lose access to vital federal resources because of a change to our MSA status. This is an incredibly positive outcome for our area and the families and businesses who call it home.”

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