By TRICIA NEAL, Staff Writer
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.
