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The Military Vehicle Preservation Association International Convention brings together historic military vehicle enthusiasts from around the world. Many of the best vehicles of all types and eras including hundreds of restored and original vehicles, parts vendors, seminars and more.
The Convention is in the South Wing at the Kentucky Exposition Center. It starts this Thursday, June 14th, and continues through Saturday. The show opens at 8 AM each day and closes at 5 PM.
Tickets are $35 for all three days, or $10 for Saturday only. Children under the age of 12 and active duty military are free. Parking at the Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle or $20 per bus.
More information can be found online at: www.mvpa.org/convention
One of the largest off-road industry shows in the country, the Unlimited Off-Road American Show & Expo roars into the Kentucky Exposition Center June 1-3 in South Wing C and Lots B, V and W.
The Unlimited Off-Road American Show & Expo (UOR) showcases a huge collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear and experts. Events focus on off-road racing, rock crawling, trail riding, sand sports, motorcycles, UTVs and ATVs, adventure camping and more. Visitors discover the latest products and innovations, get first-hand experience on demo rides, and meet professionals who live the off-road lifestyle.
Crowd daily favorites include:
- BFGoodrich Jeep Drives: Take a BFGoodrich Jeep on a specially designed off-road course
- Five-Acre Obstacle Course: bring 4×4 vehicle and tackle jumps, climbs, a mud pit and more
- Show & Shine Contest: show off vehicle and compete for cash prizes
- Racer Lounge: meet the racers
- Garage and Live Build: watch skilled technicians at work
- Over 200+ exhibitors: see new products, save with special deals
Show hours are:
- Friday, June 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Sunday events feature a swap meet and trail riding)
Purchase tickets online at uorshow.com/ky. Prices are:
- Adults:
- in advance: $15 for a one-day pass $20 for a three-day pass
- at the door: $20 for a one-day pass$35 for a three-day pass
- Children ten and under are free.
- Additional packages and discounts are available online.
- Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit uorshow.com/ky.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), are seeking public input regarding the proposed construction of a multi-use path in McNeely Lake Park, a public-use recreational resource protected under Section 4(f) of the Transportation Act of 1966.
The general project description is to construct a shared use path (part of the Louisville Loop) along McNeely Lake from Cooper Chapel Rd to Cedar Creek Rd, to connect with the access road in the vicinity of the soccer facilities in the south area of McNeely Lake Park.
The purpose of the project is to enhance the park experience by providing connectivity to and within the park. This extension of the Louisville Loop will provide a connection between Cooper Chapel Road and Cedar Creek Road. This connection will allow access to existing recreational activity areas, as well as, to previously inaccessible areas. The need for this project is identified through the evolving land use changes surrounding the park. The land is changing from lower density agricultural lands to higher density residential areas in southern Jefferson County. There is demand for better connectivity to the developed recreational facilities within McNeely Lake Park. This project is identified in the Louisville Loop Master Plan and the McNeely Lake Park Master Plan.
The Louisville Loop is a shared use path that once completed will encircle the city of Louisville. It is estimated to be a 100-mile system that will link existing and new parks with the surrounding neighborhoods and communities. The path is intended to be both recreational and functional. It provides alternative transportation routes for pedestrians, bicycles, equestrian, and transit. It will provide linkages not only within the park, but also, to the surrounding neighborhoods and schools, such as Wilt Elementary School. This project will also provide an ecological stepping stone between Jefferson Memorial Forest and The Parklands of Floyds Fork. The goals of this project and the Louisville Loop are to improve their users health and fitness, celebrate the natural and cultural history of Louisville, enrich lives with public art, and serve as a catalyst for economic development.
The preferred alternative constructs approximately 1.65 miles of shared use path, extending from the trailhead area to the northern entrance of McNeely Lake Park off Cooper Chapel Rd. This alignment travels just north of the existing overhead electric lines and just east of the proposed bridge across the McNeely Lake Dam Spillway. The path would extend on top of the dam, and generally follow the existing utility easement and lake edge until reaching the boat ramp parking area. The alignment includes a second pedestrian bridge to extend across a short cove of McNeely Lake, as well as, reconstructing/reconfiguring the boat ramp parking lot and boat ramp. This alternative terminates at Cooper Chapel Road. This alignment was chosen because it further enhances user experience, better meets sight distance requirements, and minimizes the limits of disturbance. In order to better match the surrounding land uses, the alignment will be constructed with an asphalt surface through the wooded section of the trail (from the start of the project at Cedar Creek Road to the apartment complex property), and then concrete surface through the managed portions of the trail (the apartment complex property to Cooper Chapel Rd). It effectively meets the purpose of the project by providing connectivity between Cooper Chapel Road and Cedar Creek Road. It provides connection to existing recreational activity areas, as well as, to previously inaccessible areas. The project further enhances the recreational facilities within the park. Reconstructing the boat ramp parking lot allows for the installation of pedestrian facilities that are not existing today. It allows this area to be brought up to ADA standards, and provides full access for bicyclists and pedestrians with the trail. This alternative also reduces the conflict points by eliminating the necessity to cross the driving entrances to the parking lot.
Your comments will be used in determining any potential effects the proposed path could have on McNeely Lake Park or affect the activities, features, or attributes that make the park a Section 4(f)-eligible property.
Please address any comments regarding potential 4(f) impacts anticipated from this project to:
Lindsay Ashby
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
District 5 Environmental Coordinator
8310 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
(502) 210-5400
lindsay.ashby@ky.gov
Representatives from State and Local offices joined together to celebrate the completion of the Urton Lane Bridge in southeastern Jefferson County. Phase I of the Urton Lane Project was first funded in July 2011 through an appropriation by Councilman Stuart Benson, seeks to develop more than 400 acres of land located in the southeastern portion of the Bluegrass Commercial Park. When all phases of the project are completed, the Urton Lane Extension will grant a new access route to Taylorsville Road and the Gene Snyder for persons seeking to transport goods or commute to work.
“The completion of the Urton Lane Corridor will take time, but when completed will lead to approximately 10,000 new jobs for the area and nearly two million square feet of office and industrial space.The jobs created as part of this project are expected to pay higher than average wages and demand well trained workers while releasing few if any emissions. The Urton Lane Corridor project is a great example of cooperative efforts by public and private partners that will be an economic boon for our community.” – Councilman Stuart Benson
The total cost for the completed portion of the Urton Lane Extension is $1.5 million. Additionally, the bridge was constructed with multi modal pedestrian traffic needs in mind. The north and south approach ramps will be constructed as the many acres of adjacent land are developed.
“The bridge project gets us closer to completion of the Urton Lane Corridor, which has been talked about for years. And it’s time to make it a reality. Connecting this bridge to Urton Lane and completing the Urton Lane Corridor will help us add up to 10,000 new jobs.” – Mayor Greg Fischer
In addition to funds pooled by the nine Republican members of the Louisville Metro Council, additional funding for the project was included in the FY17 Mayor’s Budget Proposal through use of System Development Charges. This funding source seeks to improve transit in some of the fastest growing parts of Louisville Metro and comes from fees paid each time a new home, apartment or townhome is constructed in southeastern Jefferson County.
“Transportation projects like the Urton Lane Bridge provide vital connections to keep Kentucky’s economy moving, I applaud the efforts of Councilman Benson, who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. By placing economic development ahead of partisanship, we are confident that there will be further opportunities for new development and jobs in Jefferson County and throughout the Commonwealth.” – Governor Matt Bevin
About the Urton Lane Bridge Project:
- Project funding starting in July 2011 with the final funding for the project added as part of the
FY18 Budget. - Construction started in May 2017 and was completed in early April 2018.
- Total Project Cost: 1.5 million.
- When complete, the Urton Lane Extension is expected to help develop over 400 acres of land adjacent to the Bluegrass Commerce Park and help create more than 10,000 jobs with an expected average salary greater than the average for Louisville Metro.\
- Constructing a bridge over an existing railroad corridor brought additional obstacles and levels of approval than most public projects.
- Project was managed by Louisville Metro Public Works, Mindel Scott & Associates and included work with outside stakeholders from Hollenbach-Oakley, Norfolk Southern, American Contracting, LLC, Qk4 and Louisville Metro Council District 20.
For more information on this event or the Urton Lane Bridge Project, please contact Stephen Haag, Jr at 574-1204 or steve.haag@louisvilleky.gov .
Photo: Louisville Forward
In celebration of National Economic Development Week, Mayor Greg Fischer and Kent Oyler, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., today announced that Louisville Forward, the city’s economic development organization, and Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), the region’s chamber of commerce, have been jointly recognized as a Top U.S. Economic Development Group for 2017 by Site Selection magazine. This is a back-to-back win for the two organizations.
Working together in 2017, with partners in two states and 15 counties, these two groups have helped the Greater Louisville region attract 62 projects, representing more than $1.7 billion in investment and nearly 6,000 jobs. GLI attracts leads looking at the region and transitions projects to the local economic development organization after the company has narrowed its search.
“This back-to-back achievement is further proof that our strategic partnership with GLI and our region is helping fuel Louisville’s tremendous economic momentum,” said the Mayor. “We are honored to be among the nation’s top regions as Louisville continues to punch above its weight.”
As the economic hub for the region, Louisville Forward had a banner year in 2017, locating 57 projects in Jefferson County, representing $1.68 billion in investment, and 5,096 new jobs. Louisville Forward also celebrated Passport Health Plan’s $130 million expansion and relocation of its headquarters to west Louisville, Ford’s continued commitment to the city with a $900 million investment at its Kentucky Truck Plant, and Diversified Consultants Inc.’s initial location and expansion into the Louisville market with a double-down on investment totaling nearly $20 million and creating 1,000 new jobs.
“For the second year in a row, GLI is proud to share this prestigious award with our regional partners and Louisville Forward. We are clearly making an impact with our collaborative efforts around economic development. The future looks bright for our region and we will continue working together to attract even more employers to our 15-county region,” said Oyler.
In 2017, GLI assisted its partners in locating 12 projects for the 15-country region, resulting in projects representing $73.4 million in investment, and creating 809 jobs with an additional 25 referrals that resulted in seven locations, 556 jobs, and $21 million in investment. The region also hosted its first ever Familiarization Tour for 10 national site selectors with the assistance of the Advance Greater Louisville Regional Partners.
Louisville Forward was formed in July 2014 to unite economic development efforts and built environment functions, allowing business owners to go from concept to permit in one streamlined agency. To achieve its goals of raising the median wage across the city and growing the number of jobs, the Louisville Forward team focuses on five strategic business categories that are historic and contemporary areas of strength to Louisville: Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Lifelong Wellness and Aging Care, Logistics and eCommerce, and Business Services.
Since its creation, Louisville Forward has helped businesses create nearly 22,000 new jobs in Louisville, representing an investment of $5.2 billion dollars. This award marks the fourth straight year that Louisville Forward has been recognized by Site Selection magazine.
GLI is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region’s largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads global economic and outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community’s talent base. As the voice of Greater Louisville’s business community, GLI advocates for a pro-business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness.
Site Selection magazine’s recognition is based on six criteria – total projects, total investment associated with those projects and total jobs associated with those projects; and those same three numbers calculated per capita for the metro area.
“Greater Louisville’s economic development success comes from a sense of all-for-one and one-for-all that transcends jurisdictional and organizational boundaries. Companies and institutions collaborate, corporations and startups convene, cities and even whole states cooperate and converge on challenges and opportunities as they arise,” said Adam Bruns, Managing Editor, Site Selection magazine.
Top projects for the groups that are featured in the May issue of Site Selection magazine include:
Ford Motor Company – continuing its commitment to Louisville, is investing $900 million in upgrades to the Kentucky Truck Plant to prepare it to manufacture the new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. This investment is in addition to the $1.3 billion investment and creation of 2,000 jobs announced in 2015.
Aravato Bertelsmann – is quadrupling its logistics capacities with a $5 million investment, creating 250 new jobs.
ResCare – founded in Louisville in 1974, this leading health and human services provider is building its $34 million headquarters at the Shelbyhurst Office and Research Park, creating 200 new jobs.
W.W. Grainger – a Fortune 500 company, is investing $273 million for a large distribution center in south central Louisville. The company plans to grow 500 new jobs with this attraction project.
For more information about Louisville Forward, visit http://louisvilleky.gov/louisvilleforward.
For more information about GLI, visit http://www.greaterlouisville.com.
Credit: KY State Parks
Guests have the unique opportunity to experience a “Zip and Drop” adventure at Carter Caves State Resort Park on May 5.
The “zip” is a 200-foot zipline trip on the Smoky Bridge Highline, 50 feet above the ground. The “drop” is a 50-foot rappel from Smoky Bridge, a 120-foot long natural rock bridge at the park. Experience Smoky Bridge in a way few visitors get to see. No previous experience is necessary to participate.
“The reward is not only the adrenaline rush from being suspended by rope above the forest floor, but the scenery from this perspective is a large reason to try this,” said Paul Tierney, a naturalist at Carter Caves. “Imagine being perched on a wooden platform, looking down into Smoky Valley at the lush spring greenery peaking up from the forest floor as you’re clipped into the rigging and taking that first step off, and gliding down the rope through the valley.”
Each trip is $5 a person. Participants must be ages 6 and older and weigh 250 pounds or less. Make a reservation by calling the park at 606-286-4411. The zip and drop will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“There’s not another place in the state you can experience this kind of adventure for only $5,” Tierney said. “It’s really a one-of-a-kind event at a beautiful location. A family of four can do something that perhaps they’ve never done before for only $20 as a family.”
Besides the zipline and rappel, Carter Caves offers cave tours and more than 30 miles of hiking trails. Early May is prime wildflower season at the park.
Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, boating and fishing. During summer months, swimming and horseback riding are also offered. For more information about the park, call 606-286-4411 or visit www.parks.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Derby Festival is underway and the Kentucky Exposition Center plays host to four popular events.
Kentucky Derby Festival Race Expo & Packet Pick Up: Thursday, April 26 – Friday, April 27 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Friday More than 15,000 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon participants and their families stop by this annual event to pick up required information for the two races. During this time, attendees can visit exhibitors featuring fitness resources, tools and apparel. Located in the West Wing and Pavilion.
U.S. Bank Great Balloon Glow: Friday, April 27 6 p.m. Gates open 9 p.m. Glow begins Spectators watch as pilots fill hot-air balloons that glow against the evening sky, set to a special musical score. Visitors are invited to meet the pilots and ask questions. The balloons are parked in Lots C and D.
Thorntons Great Bed Races: Monday, April 30 4 p.m. Official tailgate party 6 p.m. Parade of the beds 7 p.m. Races begin Crowds cheer as teams dressed in costumes push decorated beds in a 600-yard dash to the finish line. Awards are presented for fastest course times, best decorated, most entertaining and more. The races take place in Broadbent Arena.
Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party Presented by Mega Caverns: Tuesday, May 1 5 – 9 p.m. Open to the public Visitors get a sneak peek at inflatables and floats, complete with dancing costumed characters. Children can also get an autograph or photo of the Derby Festival Queen and Royal Court. The preview party is held in South Wing C.
Admission to all events is free with a 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus.
For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival, visit www.kdf.org.