Reversing a national trend, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) on Tuesday declared a pair of state freeways toll-free. The Audubon Parkway and William H. Natcher Parkway together cover 93 miles and carry 14,000 motorists daily. Thirty-six years after their construction, motorists will no longer pay extra to use these roads.

"Removing tolls on Kentucky's parkways makes travel more convenient for motorists and helps expand economic opportunities for the commonwealth," said Governor Fletcher. "Eliminating the tolls is an event many citizens in the area have sought for a number of years."

Tolls long ago paid the original $900 million in construction cost for nine toll roads in Kentucky. States such as Indiana and Texas have turned toward tolling as a means of generating revenue by double-charging motorists for the use of roads.

Toll plazas on both Kentucky roads will be torn down by the end of the year.