Somerset — President Barack Obama’s stimulus package hasn’t been approved yet, but the City of Somerset has already submitted its wish list of potentially-eligible projects to state and federal leaders.
Mayor Eddie Girdler and members of Somerset’s city council sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, and Gov. Steve Beshear outlining $88.5 million worth of projects which could be eligible for funding through the federal stimulus bill or through new federal and state budgets.
The President’s package is expected to be approved by Congress next month.
Mayor Girdler said he didn’t know whether any of the submitted projects will be funded, but he felt that each was important enough to include in the list.
Most of the city projects would create immediate construction jobs, Girdler noted, and projects relating to energy conservation could potentially create thousands of jobs.
Included on the wish list are:
• $9 million toward a $15 million regional sewer plant construction project.
Mayor Girdler said this project is “essential to protect Lake Cumberland and allow any future growth.”
The new plant would replace the current one.
• $25 million for a regional water plant and distribution system.
The current water plant provides for more than 100,000 people in five counties, but it has reached its capacity, Girdler said.
• $750,000 for a “major expansion” of Somersplash water park.
Mayor Girdler said an expansion could help the park draw an additional 10,000 visitors per year and provide up to 15 additional jobs.
• $6 million for the “West Somerset Transportation Connector” project.
The new system would “relieve severe safety and traffic problems at the regional hospital,” Girdler said.
“This project is the first phase in linking the bypass construction, I-66, with major medical facilities.”
• $15 million for a natural gas stripping and transmission plant in Eastern Kentucky.
“Due to new environmental regulations and changes in industry standards, the city will be required to construct a natural gas stripping plant in order to continue in business,” Girdler said.
The project, Girdler added, “will be one of the best energy-related projects in the nation.”
• $4.5 million for a Somerset/Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services Center.
The new facility would replace the 25-year-old building on Hail Knob Road and would allow indoor parking for all EMS vehicles.
• $3.5 million for a fire station at the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport.
“The fire station serving the airport, regional hospital, and major industrial/commercial areas is dilapidated,” Girdler noted.
• $750,000 for a city financial and information system.
“There is a great need for more energy efficient computers and technology,” Girdler said.
“This project is consistent with the federal effort to have systems be Energy Star approved.”
• $5 million for a “Municipal Services Center” for the city of Somerset.
This center would replace the current city hall and utility building. The center, Girdler said, would be more “energy efficient” and “green.”
“Downtown will be totally revitalized with the addition of this project,” Girdler claimed.
• $4 million for a Somerset Police and Communications Center.
Also a “green” facility, the center would replace the current police department.
• $15 million for a utility expansion which would provide water, gas and sewer services to areas around the new bypass.
In his letter, Girdler calls each project “most deserving.” He has predicted that some of the projects could be funded within six months.
Local News
Girdler has a wish list for Obama
- Local News
-
- Trial delayed for parents charged with trafficking daughters
-
Wolf Creek Dam renovation on target for Summer 2014 completion date
-
Burnisde may soon move to fourth-class status
-
McGaha didn’t approve farewell letter
-
Refinery to re-open in early summer
- Downtown road work running ahead of schedule
-
Board upholds principal’s demotion
-
Fast-moving blaze guts mobile home off Slate Branch Road
-
Big Bang Theory
Pulaski County is not at war. The booming you may hear at dusk is mock cannon fire to scare away birds.
Stuart Spillman, environmental director for the Lake Cumberland Health Department, said at least three cannons are on loan from the department to residents who want to scare away swarms of starlings and blackbirds settling in to roost.
He said a cannon is being used by a resident on Laura Lane off Ky. 39; another is in the Oak Hill Road area and a third is on Ashurst Street in the eastern part of Somerset.
Spillman said a timer on each cannon allows it to “fire” at whatever frequency is desired. The cannons must be used as the birds circle before going to roost. “After they settle in, nothing will chase them out,” Spillman said.
The Health Department doesn’t operate the cannons unless there is a specific complaint in an area where there are lots of birds, Spillman noted. He said so far this year the birds are not as bad as in the past. -
Boil water advisory is lifted countywide
The water controversy that Pulaski County has been boiling over — so to speak — for the last week is finally over.
At 10 minutes after noon Wednesday, the “boil water” advisory for the Western Pulaski Water District was lifted — almost a full week after the problems began around 1 p.m. last Thursday.
Prior to that, the Somerset Water Service — along with the other water providers in its system, including Science Hill Water, Southeastern Water, and Eubank Water — lifted their advisories, with Somerset on Saturday afternoon and the last, Southeastern, by Monday morning. Western Pulaski was the last in the system to complete sample testing for potential contaminants, due to not being able to access its Pikeville-based testing lab until Monday.
Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler thanked the public for its patience and understanding during the duration of the boil water advisory — put in place to keep citizens from drinking water that could have been contaminated after an accident last Thursday at the water plant site — and also thanked all the city employees for their hard work during this time.
“The boil water advisory went about as well as would be expected,” said Girdler.
- More Local News Headlines
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
