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Following the recent devastating pipeline explosion that took the life of one Kentuckian in Lincoln County, Attorney General Andy Beshear wants greater scrutiny of the planned Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) Bullitt County Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Project.
Beshear announced today that his Office of Rate Intervention filed a motion to intervene and expand the scope of a complaint case before the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) that Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest brought against LG&E over concerns surrounding its Bullitt County natural gas pipeline.
Intervening on behalf of Kentuckians, Beshear says the PSC should expand the matter to ensure the pipeline project meets safety, legal and regulatory compliance requirements, and address the tactics used and costs projected to secure and complete the pipeline.
“Given the recent tragedy in Lincoln County, I believe we must apply greater scrutiny to every pipeline project being proposed and constructed in our state,” Beshear said. “Kentuckians deserve to know that pipelines running across their property comply with the law and are as safe as possible.”
Beshear’s office noted recent decisions by the PSC concerning LG&E’s pipelines and safety practices, reminding the PSC of its “jurisdiction to regulate the safety of natural gas facilities in Kentucky.” The pipeline in Lincoln County was a large multi-state pipeline, and thus under federal jurisdiction. The Bullitt County pipeline, which will operate as part of LG&E’s transmission and distribution system, is entirely within the border of Kentucky and subject to PSC jurisdiction.
Beshear’s office is also concerned about complaints as to alleged tactics used to acquire the land for the pipeline. The complaint notes comments and statements made by the company that show “LG&E’s inappropriate use of its monopoly status to pressure” the remaining property owners to grant easements and right-of-ways, while threatening condemnation of their property.
Beshear’s office also notes that there is no evidence that the PSC has subsequently reviewed the numerous environmental permits LG&E is required to obtain for the project, and which the PSC required LG&E to file with it after receipt.
As the watchdog for consumers in matters relating to natural gas, water, sewer, electric and landline telephone rates, Beshear’s office further points out in its motions that the pipeline’s increasing cost warrants an expanded inquiry.
Beshear said the cost of the pipeline has increased nearly 50% in just two years and is currently estimated to cost $38.7 million.
The next steps in the case are determined by the PSC.
Under Kentucky law, Beshear’s office is responsible for representing the interests of Kentucky consumers before quasi-judicial and governmental ratemaking agencies. Over the past three and a half years, Beshear’s rate intervention team has helped Kentucky families avoid approximately $1.6 billion in proposed utility rate increases.
Over the past year alone, the office has taken on an unprecedented number of cases saving families in approximately 90 counties more than $113 million a year.
This spring, Beshear’s office also filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Kentucky Supreme Court in support of low-income advocates having the ability to participate in utility rate cases. For nearly two decades, low-income advocates were granted participation in LG&E or KU rate cases before the PSC denied them earlier this year.
“If our families are being asked to pay more or are directly impacted by the actions of investor-owned utilities, I want to ensure their voices are heard,” Beshear said.
Beshear urges Kentuckians needing to file a utility complaint to do so by completing his office’s online form.
Gov. Matt Bevin today joined federal, state and local officials in Georgetown to announce $3,471,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for housing rehabilitation projects across the Commonwealth.
These federal funds, allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG), will benefit 45 families in central, north, east and west Kentucky.
“We are excited to announce nearly $3.5 million in CDBG funding that will benefit families here in Georgetown and across the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Bevin. “Increasing safe, affordable housing is vital to strengthening our communities and promoting economic opportunity. We are grateful to our federal, state and local partners who will help us make these projects a reality for homeowners in Campbell, Christian, Hopkins, Perry and Scott counties.”
CDBG awards include:
- $804,000 to the Campbell County Fiscal Court for the rehabilitation of six vacant and dilapidated houses for sale to low- and moderate-income families,
- $791,000 to the City of Hazard (Perry County), for the acquisition and demolition of a shopping center to construct 15 new single-family homes,
- $366,000 to the City of Crofton (Christian County), for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of five homes for low- and moderate-income families,
- $510,000 to the City of Georgetown (Scott County), for the rehabilitation of eight homes in the Boston area, and
- $1,000,000 to the Hopkins County Fiscal Court for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 11 homes for low- and moderate-income families.
Mayor Tom Prather noted the impact of today’s grant announcements, which took place in a ceremony at Georgetown City Hall.
“Georgetown is delighted to host Gov. Bevin for these important announcements! We are excited about efforts to improve our neighborhoods, and grants like the Governor announced today are critical to the success of each community represented,” he said.
Members of the community’s delegation to the General Assembly also celebrated the major CDBG funding awards.
“These critical projects are an excellent illustration of government agencies working together to improve communities in all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, of Georgetown. “This investment will have a tremendous impact on the quality of affordable housing in Georgetown and in other communities across Kentucky. I’m grateful to Gov. Bevin and the Department for Local Government for their support of this project.”
“Increasing the available stock of affordable housing and improving our neighborhoods are two very important issues in the City of Georgetown,” said Representative Phillip Pratt, of Georgetown. “These grant awards provide a much-needed opportunity to revitalize our communities, and I’m grateful to Gov. Bevin and DLG Commissioner Sandy Dunahoo for coordinating these grants.”
The CDBG grant program, overseen by HUD, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. CDBG projects must comply with federal regulations, and funding is determined based upon project needs, reasonable costs, and overall effectiveness.
DLG is an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. To learn more about resources and opportunities available through DLG, visit http://kydlgweb.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Communication Network Authority (KCNA), the agency responsible for overseeing the Commonwealth’s KentuckyWired fiber optic cable network project, finalized a bond sale of $102,090,000 last week.
The City of Williamsburg issued the bonds for the KentuckyWired Infrastructure Company. The Series 2019 municipal bonds were purchased by Morgan Stanley.
The majority of the proceeds—$93 million—will be used to fund the settlement agreement between KCNA and its primary contractor, NG-KIH Design Build LLC. The remainder will be held to fund project needs.
According to KCNA Interim Executive Director Deck Decker, KCNA was able to save millions of dollars through the structure of this deal and favorable market conditions. “KCNA was able to access a market with historically low rates to reap maximum benefit from this deal,” he said.
Construction of the KentuckyWired project is well over halfway complete, with more than 1,700 miles of the planned 3,000 miles of fiber cable placed so far. Construction is complete in the first section from Lexington to Louisville and Cincinnati, known as Ring 1A. Construction of Ring 1B, in Eastern Kentucky, is projected to be finished in early September.
KentuckyWired is a middle mile network, building high-speed fiber optic cable in all 120 counties, connecting government offices, universities, community colleges, state police posts, and state parks.
Along its 3,000-mile path, private companies can connect to the network and lease its fiber. This will enable private internet companies to expand their service farther into more rural areas. KentuckyWired will significantly enhance opportunities for education, healthcare, economic investment and job growth for Kentuckians.
Crews on The New Dixie Highway Project are completing median construction on a critical, busy section of the roadway in the heart of Shively. The section between Herbert Avenue and Crums Lane, which includes Shively City Hall and the on-ramp to I-264, will have all lanes open and in their final configuration on Monday.
The opening of all four lanes in this section will be a significant improvement for drivers. For the past six months, there has been only one southbound lane on this busy section of roadway – which carries an estimated 60,000 vehicles a day. For about a month, there has also only been one northbound lane on that section.
As with the rest of the project, the final surfacing and landscaping is slated for completion during the spring and summer of 2020.
“We appreciate the patience of everyone who drives this section of highway,” said Project Manager John Callihan. “We drive it too, and we know it has been frustrating at times. But the result is a safer, more efficient roadway for all of us.”
Drivers should continue to stay alert to shifting work zones on Dixie Highway. In addition to the opening of lanes between Crums and Herbert, work crews will also be reopening lanes between Greenwood Road and Wells Drive as well as between Meyer Lane and Upper Hunters Trace.
Median work will shift to other locations, causing new lane closures between Gagel Ave. and Kendall Road. The existing lane closure between Blanton Lane and Meyer Lane will remain in place as work continues.
By installing medians, The New Dixie Highway Project is restricting mid-block left turns – and guiding drivers to turn at signalized intersections or designated U-turn points. Installing medians is both the most transformative part of The New Dixie Highway project – but also the most dangerous for workers because they will be working in the middle of the roadway with traffic on both sides. Video about the medians and about the use of U-turns on Dixie Highway are available on YouTube.
Medians are “non-mountable” so passenger vehicles cannot drive over them. Widths will vary with available space – with landscaping at key locations. While it may seem counter-intuitive to drivers, restricting mid-block left-turns creates not only a safer corridor, but a more efficient corridor. Some drivers will have to drive slightly further to reach their destination, but the improved efficiency and reduction in collision-related congestion will mean a better traffic flow for everyone.
The New Dixie Highway Project broke ground in December of 2017, and all the major components will be complete in December 2019.
Photo: Secretary of State website
The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced its sixth class of inductees in Frankfort. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes joined the organization’s directors, state officials, and the inductees for the announcement in the Capitol Rotunda.
“The members of the Hall of Fame represent the best of Kentucky,” said Grimes. “Each of these individuals demonstrate selflessness and sacrifice not only in the military but back in their communities here in the Commonwealth. These heroes are coaching sports teams, teaching flag etiquette to fifth graders, deacons of their churches, and leading veteran organizations. We are better because of them.”
The Hall of Fame announced that they will induct 25 men and women veterans from across Kentucky. The class represents all branches of the U.S. military and several different conflicts, including World War II. One inductee was a Prisoner of War during WWII and one inductee is a Medal of Honor recipient.
Secretary Grimes has advocated for Kentucky’s military service members and veterans’ right to vote, worked to make it easier to start a business, advocated for access to education and healthcare services. In 2018, Secretary Grimes fulfilled her promise to Kentuckians by announcing that all of Kentucky’s veteran centers will now serve as polling locations, continuing her work in ensuring those who have sacrificed it all, can easily access the ballot box.
“Our organization exists to honor the sacrifice of these men and women who have devoted their lives to community and country,” said H.B. Deatherage, founder and president of the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame. “We are grateful for our veterans and what they have done. This is one way we can show our appreciation to them.”
The 2019 Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Capt. James J. Bayne, Boone
- Sgt. Denny Belcher, Bath
- Csm. Gregory Bethards, Jefferson
- Sgt. E4 James M. Cartwright, Franklin
- Ssg. Carey T. Christie, Hardin
- Air 1st Class Benny B. Clary, Kenton
- Technical Sgt. Chester E. Elkin, Madison
- Capt. Cletis S. Evans, Jr., Jefferson
- Sfc. Gary W. Finnell, Woodford
- Petty Officer June Forbes, Jessamine
- Staff Sgt. Lawrence Gronefeld, Kenton
- Col. Robert F. Greene, Boone
- Maj. Dean C. Hammond, Jr., Fayette
- Lt. Commander Larry A. Huber, Jefferson
- Col. Micki King, Fayette
- Spc. William L. Krebs, Boone
- MSgt. Emerson R. McAfee, Madison
- Spc. William C. Smith, Franklin
- Col. John M. Shotwell, Fayette
- Cpl. Charles H. Stallard, Jefferson
- Ltc. Dick E. Stoops, Woodford
- Maj. Charles M. Tirone, Kenton
- Machinist Mate 3rd Class Robert L. Webster, Boone
Secretary Grimes has been involved with the organization and has helped to induct each class since it began in 2014. The Hall of Fame plaques proudly hang outside of the Secretary of State’s Office in the State Capitol.
For more information and to nominate a Kentucky veteran to the Hall of Fame, visit kyveterans.org.
Louisville Metro Councilman Kevin J. Kramer (District 11) will hold a district meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Jeffersontown Fire Station Two (formerly McMahan Firs Station), 4318 Taylorsville Road.
Councilman Kramer will be joined by representatives from the Louisville Metro Police Department, Jeffersontown Fire Protection District, Louisville Metro Public Works, Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations, Urban Forestry and Brightside.
For more information on this event, please contact the Office of Councilman Kramer at 574-1111 or kevin.kramer@louisvilleky.gov.
The Louisville Zoo’s 33-year-old African elephant, Mikki, gave birth to a male calf at 11:24 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2019. It is only the second elephant born at the Louisville Zoo in the Zoo’s 50-year history.
During the calf’s birth, Mikki was attended to by the Zoo’s Animal Health Center and elephant keeper staffs as well as Dr. Dennis Schmitt, the leading North American expert in elephant reproductive physiology and veterinary management.
“Mikki did all the work. Her labor progressed nicely and without complications,” said Senior Veterinarian Dr. Zoli Gyimesi. “Mikki gave birth to a strong and vigorous bull calf.” According to Dr. Schmitt, “The delivery was textbook. All the staff, both elephant and veterinary staff knew their roles and performed them perfectly.”
Immediately after the birth, the veterinary team performed a neonatal exam.
The calf measures 98 cm tall, 77 cm long (body, head to tail) and 198 cm from the tip of his trunk to the tip off his tail. Mikki, calf and herd mate – Asian elephant Punch – will be off exhibit while the herd bonds. An announcement of a public debut will be made at a later date.
“It’s an exciting day at the Louisville Zoo,” said Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak. “We are so thrilled for Mikki and this calf. We are grateful to our community for embracing Mikki’s pregnancy and being a part of her journey. Raising a calf is one of the most enriching things an elephant can experience. I am very proud of our staff and the amazing job they did to ensure a smooth and safe pregnancy for Mikki and for the calf during birth.”
Mikki gave birth after nearly a 22-month gestation (651 days). She became pregnant through artificial insemination in October 2017 with the help of Dr. Schmitt. Mikki was carefully monitored and well cared for throughout her pregnancy. Staff worked hard to regulate Mikki’s diet and exercise her daily in order to minimize weight gain and get her fit for the delivery. Ultrasound exams and blood hormone monitoring were performed regularly to track the pregnancy.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) elephant breeding program is administered under the auspices of the Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative program of all accredited zoos with elephants. The plan promotes the survival of elephant species into the future by providing linkages between zoo animal “ambassadors” and the conservation of their counterparts in the remnant wild.
“Elephant breeding at accredited zoos provides critical support for elephant conservation, said Walczak. “Every day, more and more habitats for wild animals are lost due to a growing human population, habitat destruction and poaching. The African elephant population has declined and we want to do our part to help with conservation efforts both locally and worldwide.”
To help the Zoo and the community celebrate the birth of this important elephant calf, the Zoo’s gracious partners at Churchill Downs (Twin Spires) and Louisville Waterfront Park (Big Four® Bridge) will light their iconic structures green. Beginning Monday, the Louisville Gas and Electric building’s green light will be in honor of the calf. Green will symbolize this calf’s significant birth as part of the world-wide conservation efforts on behalf of this magnificent and vulnerable species.
