Over the last three-plus years, Trigg County Fiscal Court and its officials have been trying to put together a plan for a new steel-grate and rebar bridge for CR 1110 and Knight & Hale Way.
A recent call for bids, however, only brought about one return: a notice of $159,751 from M&G Services LLC out of Marion.
Looking to effectively use an 80/20 grant valued up to $100,000, Judge-Executive Stan Humphries closed Monday’s fiscal meeting noting that the county would be responsible for any costs north of the transportation assistance.
As such, magistrates voted 4-2 in favor of rebidding the package, and lengthening an imposed deadline from December 31, 2023, to March 2024. Cameron Sumner and Barry Littlejohn were the “nay” votes.
Sumner agreed that the county had right of refusal, but noted future contractors on the project might up the cost after knowing the price point. Littlejohn said constituents had been patient with the needed repair and upgrade.
Humphries noted construction, in general, remains expensive in all sectors, and Magistrate Mike Lane added the court is in a “tough spot.”
In their offer back to the court, County Attorney Randy Braboy said M&G requested six weeks for engineered prints, four more weeks for the bridge to be manufactured, and more time after the winter holidays to finish the project. Even as the lone bid, they weren’t going to be able to meet the end-of-year deadline.
Magistrate Alana Baker-Dunn reminded the court that conversation needs to continue not only about a three-way stop at Old Hopkinsville and Oliver roads, but the promise of a practice field for Trigg County soccer at the Recreation Complex. The conclusion of soccer season, she said, brings about a window of opportunity to make it happen.
Humphries also said another potential bid process is due for the Recreation Complex, which still needs a remodel of its concession stand. Humphries told magistrates to soon expect phone calls from him in order to discuss the scope and variations for the project.
Furthermore, Humphries added that chip & seal season is “officially over” for Trigg Countians, but some paving projects remain in play. At the upcoming October 25 transportation meeting through the Hopkinsville PeADD office, the main discussion will center around the hopeful I-24 widening plan, in order to address the “juggernaut” of getting to Nashville from west Kentucky.
Local citizens should also put 6 PM, November 2 on their calendars. Humphries said this will be the time for an open-forum public discussion surrounding solar energy and solar farms, and what ordinances need to be in place before a major energy project comes to the community. It will be held at the Lexie Bush Convention Center at the Recreation Complex.
