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Franklin approves application to pursue I‑65 Exit 2 beautification project
Summary
The City Commission authorized the city manager to be the applicant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to pursue a landscaping and gateway improvement plan for I‑65 Exit 2; proponents said private and civic partners may contribute, but long‑term maintenance would fall to a government entity.
The Franklin City Commission voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to file an application with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a proposed beautification and gateway project at Interstate 65 Exit 2.
Richard Sanders and other project proponents presented a concept plan that includes a stone gateway, decorative fencing set back from traffic and landscaping to improve the first impression for motorists entering Simpson County from the south. Joe Plunk, chief district engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Bowling Green regional office, advised the commission on state permitting constraints and safety guardrails, noting designs must avoid hazards to the traveling public. "You can't put a big oak tree out 10 feet from the edge of an interstate," Plunk said.
Project proponents said preliminary fundraising commitments include a pledged local match up to 10% (cited as up to $36,000) and interest from private groups. They noted an initial design estimate in the range of "350‑something thousand dollars" for the current concept but said exact project costs and the final funding split will depend on state review and subsequent fundraising. The group discussed options for maintenance; Plunk and proponents said long‑term mowing and landscape upkeep would need an identified government entity as the applicant and lead. For some maintenance tasks, local inmate crews may assist with routine work, but the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cautioned that inmates typically are not cleared to use heavy equipment.
Commissioners discussed cost, maintenance responsibilities and potential county participation. Commissioner concerns focused on fiscal exposure and ensuring the city would not carry the majority of long‑term costs without clear commitments from partners. Several civic groups and private donors were reported to have expressed interest in supporting the project; staff said they had also spoken informally with the county judge/executive and local civic organizations.
By approving the city to submit the application, commissioners authorized the mayor to sign the application and the city manager to work with state staff to complete the submission. Commissioners said staff would continue outreach to the fiscal court and local partners as the project moves forward.
