Riverport ready to move forward By SANDRA STONE Riverport Authority chairman Don Bewley announced at the beginning of the regular monthly meeting Oct. 3 that the last piece had fallen into place. The Corps of Engineers permit had been approved. “We’re in a position now to build a riverport,” said Bewley. This permit, said Bewley, was the last element needed before the Authority could proceed unimpeded with pursuing funding in the form of grants and loans and commencing construction of the Meade County Riverport. Bewley stated his appreciation for the hard work of all parties involved and expressed his hopes for the future success of the project. “Now it’s time to build the most efficient facility we can and get operating,” he said. Bewley presented an invoice for $42,000 from Garver Engineering for archeological work and asked for a motion to submit it to Fiscal Court for payment. Clark Hardsaw moved to approve payment. On a second by Edd Pike, the motion passed unanimously. Bewley also advised the Riverport has been asked to provide a formal request to Fiscal Court for funds needed, which Bewley said would be about $149,400. This would include the consulting fee for the Flint Group and some final engineering fees. On a motion by Pike, seconded by Greg Hager, all were in favor of submitting the request to Fiscal Court. David Pace, chairman of the Industrial Development Authority, provided an update on progress regarding the road through the industrial park. MSE of Kentucky is the development company contracted to assist the Industrial Authority with site planning. Members of the Industrial Authority have met with MSE and AgriFuels representatives. “We’re critiquing the last drawing and should have a rendition for the Riverport Authority to look at by Monday,” said Pace, who added they believed the route is viable and feasible and will be better for all concerned. Once the final design is on the boards, a joint meeting between the two authorities will be called. “It’s really helped to have people look at the design who had never seen it before,” said Pace of the process used to determine the best route for all concerned. He added that some of the feasibility study has already been completed, and he doesn’t see a problem with the remainder of the route as it’s going through ground which has already been disturbed. Pace added he has continued to use the Riverport as a selling point to potential businesses. “We’ve had numerous visits in the last two months linked to the riverport being able to do as it has planned,” said Pace.
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