More digging in store for Riverport Authority By SANDRA STONE The Meade County Riverport Authority’s Nov. 1 regular meeting began with an update from Ed Walker with Garver Engineering. Walker advised the underwater study had revealed no endangered mussel studies or habitats. That study has now been filed with the Corps of Engineers and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The archeological study, however, could prove to be a bit more challenging. There were no problems with the first terrace, but there is an area on the second terrace (about three acres) which has been identified as a “potential impact area.” There must now be a second phase of digging and sampling, resulting in expenditures of more time and money. Garver’s suggestion, said Walker, is to get out of the area, and he presented a rough drawing of the proposed change. Representatives of Consolidated Grain & Barge, the company which will operate the riverport, expressed concerns about the change and indicated they would have to review the drawings and the property again. Consultant Mike Flint suggested determining the costs to conduct the second phase. Riverport Authority chairman Don Bewley concurred as the original site plan remains the most efficient use of the space. Following the update, the commissioners entered executive session to discuss land acquisition. They returned from executive session approximately 2 and 1/2 hours later, and Bewley announced the Riverport Authority had determined to continue working toward synergy with both Consolidated Grain & Barge and the proposed ethanol plant for an operation which will best benefit all parties concerned. To that end, more meetings will take place in the coming weeks. In one final piece of business, Flint advised a preapplication to the Department of Local Government had been accepted, and the authority had been invited to submit a final application. The request will be for $250,000.
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