Clark County fiscal court hears detailed update on Rockwell Road sewer project; construction phased, estimate $11–12 million

Sanitation‑district staff gave Clark County Fiscal Court a multilayered update on the Rockwell Road sewer project, saying the work is being planned in phases to allow construction to move forward while funding for later sections is secured. "We are currently at the phase where we are obtaining easements for the project," the Sanitation District Presenter said, describing Phase 1a as a force main and pump station connection to the Strode Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Yorktown area.

The presenters said Phase 1a includes a force main that will connect to a new pump station and has three of four easements signed; Phase 1b will be gravity sewer designed for additional capacity; Phase 1c would complete the gravity extension to Yorktown. "That portion of the project, currently right now we believe we have the funds to build that entire section of 1A," the Presenter said, adding the design will allow the pump station to be upsized later without acquiring new property. The presenters noted a design challenge on the Norton property where the proposed line sits roughly seven feet from an overhead utility and will require negotiated easements or an alternative alignment.

County staff reported assigned federal funding tied to the project. "In January that congress had approved the line item that Congressman Barr had submitted for this project, and that has been signed by the president," a county staff member said, describing a $1,000,000 appropriation that will flow to the county and require standard federal grant paperwork with the EPA. Staff said the county will use that appropriation as part of the local match for an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) application and that they have been in communication with ARC about resubmission.

Project cost estimates were provided to the court: "Between 11 and $12,000,000 is where we currently need the estimate at," the Sanitation District Presenter said. Presenters told the court they expect, if easements can be secured, to be in construction by the summer and that construction would likely take about 18 months for the initial phases. They also warned there remains a funding gap for later portions and described ongoing efforts to seek state legislative help and other grants.

Members pressed staff on environmental review, utility coordination, and whether Kentucky American Water or private pump‑station owners were required or willing to connect to the county system. Presenters said Kentucky American is not part of this project but could seek future connections through WMU and that negotiations with the private pump station owner (CarGale/Carollo property) are ongoing and include industrial flow sampling.

The court did not take a vote on a construction contract at the meeting but received the presentation, approved several related administrative items later in the agenda, and instructed staff to continue easement negotiations and funding follow‑up. The court was informed that EPA grant paperwork is the next administrative step once the agency reaches out and that CDBG administration arrangements will be brought to the court for approval when ready.

The court did not set a construction start date beyond the optimistic summer target and emphasized it will return to the matter as funding and easements progress.