Oldham County approves right-of-way services to advance Old LaGrange multi-use trail

The Oldham County Fiscal Court voted May 5 to hire BFW Engineering for right-of-way services to advance the Old LaGrange Road multi-use trail, approving a contract amount presented in the meeting as approximately $115,481 for the services phase. The project’s current funding structure is an 80/20 match, with federal funds covering about 80% and Oldham County responsible for an estimated $23,000.96 for this phase.

Jim Silliman, who presented the plan to the court, said the contract covers right-of-way research, easement plats and outreach to affected property owners. "What I'm asking for approval now is for you to approve the judge to sign the contract for the right-of-way services portion of this project," he told the court while showing preliminary mapping and typical cross-sections.

Magistrates and staff discussed alternatives considered during preliminary design, including whether the trail could be placed along the north (railroad) side; Silliman and staff said limited space and the need to rebuild the roadway made the south-side alignment more viable. Silliman also gave planning estimates for later phases: roughly $700,000 for acquiring permanent and temporary easements and about $1.3 million for construction, both described as preliminary.

Judge Executive David Vogel and other magistrates emphasized the need to keep the project moving to avoid rising costs. "We need to build it now," Silliman said, arguing delays drive price increases. Magistrate Hawkins asked about continuity with adjacent sidewalk and trail segments and the presenter said future phases and coordination with KYTC engineers will address connectivity.

The court approved the right-of-way services agreement and authorized staff to proceed with the study phase. The contract is limited to administrative and right-of-way services and does not include right-of-way acquisition or construction costs; staff said the county pays up front and is reimbursed for the federal share.

Next steps include completing the right-of-way phase work, verifying available funding for later phases and continuing coordination with KYTC and property owners. If acquisition or construction funding cannot be secured, the court said the county would limit its obligation to the study phase and address any funding issues before advancing.

The court’s motion carried by voice vote.