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Committee approves Whitehaven, Boone County rest-area upgrades and Bluegrass Station modernization
Summary
The Capital Projects and Bonds Oversight Committee approved three Finance & Administration Cabinet projects: a $1.3M Whitehaven rest-area renovation, a $6.5M Boone County rest-area remodel and truck parking expansion, and a $4.5M modernization at Bluegrass Station building 14 funded by a federal Army grant.
The Capital Projects and Bonds Oversight Committee voted July 16 to approve three new projects presented by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Janice Thomas, presenting for the cabinet, said the first project is the Whitehaven Rest Area Renovation Project, a $1,300,000 Federal Highway Administration-funded effort to "improve the façade of the building, address structural issues, replace flooring, upgrade electrical and HVAC issues, and address ADA requirements." The second is a Boone County north- and southbound rest-area remodel and truck-parking expansion estimated at $6,500,000 to increase semi-truck parking along the I-75 corridor. The third is a $4,500,000 modernization of infrastructure at Bluegrass Station building 14, funded 100% by a Department of the Army grant.
Committee members asked whether rest areas would remain open during construction and how the Boone County work would reduce dangerous ramp overflow. Chris Smith of the Department of Support Services, who introduced himself during the discussion, said Whitehaven "is located in Paducah right on when you come out of I-24" and that the building portion used for tourism is closed for safety while bathrooms and parking remain open. He said the Boone County sites experienced a temporary sewer-related closure but were open at the time of the meeting and that the truck parking expansion was intended to move truck parking off interstate ramps.
Senator Maiden and other members emphasized safety and expediency in design and construction. The committee rolled the three items into one motion and approved them by roll call.
The committee also heard related updates: Janice Thomas reported an amended Fort Boonesborough flood remediation project increase of $2,669,500 (bringing that total to $6,619,500) to move primary electrical infrastructure out of the floodplain, and a Kentucky Horse Park emergency repair for $1,110,500 funded with insurance proceeds to address arena flooding and restore operations.
The committee approved the three action projects and asked agency staff to continue coordination on construction timelines and public access during work.
