Gov. Louie B. Nunn

Louie B. Nunn served as Governor from 1967 to 1970.

When Nunn took office in 1967, there was a critical need for more revenues for programs such as education and transportation. To help finance state needs, Nunn was instrumental in raising the sales and use tax and increasing vehicle registration fees.

At a ceremony in Glasgow marking the change of name of the Cumberland Parkway to the Louie B. Nunn Parkway, Nunn said a modern highway was desperately needed to serve south central Kentucky and that he saw it as “a highway of opportunity. It would bring factories, tourists, better jobs for the people, better homes, and better schools.” Gov. Nunn said it was obvious what could happen if the highway were improved. The people of south central Kentucky were willing to learn and willing to work. He said the highway had “saved time and lives” of those using it. He said, “people are working because of this highway and tax revenues are higher. People have much better lives.”

Gov. Nunn said the parkway would someday become part of the proposed I-66 and the name would be changed again. “That,” he said, “will be a great day, too!”