Bipartisan efforts lead to clean water, road improvements in South Central Kentucky
Judge/Executive Harold Stilts, center, along with Moe Hensley, Steve Riley, and Governor Beshear gladly received grant monies for clean water. Photo by Jennifer Moonsong
Jennifer Moonsong
Division Publisher
Metcalfe and Barren
In a momentous event on February 18 at Barren County’s UK extension office, Governor Andy Beshear and local officials from Barren, Metcalfe, and Hart counties gathered to announce grant money for clean water, and better rural roads in the three-county region.
“It’s a great day to be a Kentuckian, for sure,” said Michael Hale, Barren County Judge/Executive.
Following opening remarks, Governor Andy Beshear took the platform.
“What is happening here today is only possible through bipartisan agreement. Every time you invest in water, you create jobs…We will approve projects in all 120 counties,” Beshear said.
In Barren County, the allotted monies from transportation discretionary grants totaling $485,545 will be used to resurface Cooktown Road, Capitol Hill Church Road, and Kino Eighty-Eight Road.
Furthermore, Glasgow Water Company received $1,625,091 for a transmission line. The hope for the long-term outlook is that more new industries will find Glasgow appealing.
As for Metcalfe, seven houses on Rockland Mills Road will now have water available and on Node Road an additional five unserved households will have clean water.
In addition, the city of Edmonton will serve an underserved area on Chris Harper Road thanks to the grants.
“It is always rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces when they get clean water. Many of these people have been unserved for many years,” said Harold Stilts, Judge/Executive of Metcalfe County.
Hart County will soon be able to provide water to 15 unserved households.
Hart County Judge/Executive Joe Choate said, “Every time we get someone who does not have water, water, it is a win.”
Following the presentation of checks to each community, Beshear spoke of Kentucky’s triumphs and challenges in recent years.
“The challenges of our present are great, but the opportunities for our future outweigh the problems of the present,” he said.
Also, according to Beshear the S&P Global Ratings now calls the state’s economic outlook “positive”.
Governor Andy Beshear pictured with Secretary Jim Gray, Judge/Executive Micheal Hale, and Steve Riley. Photo by Jennifer Moonsong
Governor Beshear and Steve Riley in conversation. Photo by Jennifer Moonsong
Governor Beshear greets the crowd. Photo by Jennifer Moonsong
