Chao, who has served as Transportation secretary since January 2017, is using resources at the Transportation Department to help direct federal grant money infrastructure projects in Kentucky. Todd Inman, now Chao's chief of staff, advised local Kentucky officials and McConnell on obtaining grants as the senator prepares for his 2020 reelection campaign. When the $11.5 million grant was approved in December 2018, McConnell, Chao and Inman's role in securing it was lauded by local officials. 'We're just really grateful and thankful to Sen. McConnell and Secretary Chao and our own Todd Inman,' Mattingly said at the time. Chao also met with Boone County Judge Gary Moore when he requested a $67 million grant to upgrade roads in rural parts of the Kentucky county.

Source: Daily Mail June 10, 2019 15:58 UTC