Caldwell County Fiscal Court approved a quote to move ahead with a community safe room project grant application during a special-called meeting Monday morning.
According to Judge-Executive Kota Young, the Storm Committee met last Friday and received one quote from Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects for the design of the safe room project on the local school’s campus.
click to download audioDistrict 4 Magistrate Jeff Simms said his main question since the project discussion last week has been about the location of the safe room on the campus, and whether it will be included in the study. Young confirmed that it will.
In response to a question from District 2 Magistrate Jeff Boone about the direction of exposure of the safe room, Young stated it’s FEMA standards.
click to download audioJudge Young stated they expect to learn soon if the grant has been approved.
click to download audioAfter further discussion, magistrates unanimously approved the fee from Sherman Carter Barnhart of $20,000. Young said it will be applied as a credit if the county is successful with its application.
Judge Young also announced the county has received a Rubber-Modified Asphalt award of over $163,000, funded through the Kentucky Waste Tire Trust Fund.
click to download audioIn addition, Young mentioned a new opportunity through a group of regional partners for a USDA Regional Food Assistance Partnership Grant. He said the Princeton-Caldwell County Industrial Development Authority began the application process but lacks experience with federal grants. Young suggested the Fiscal Court serve as the applicant or fiscal agent for the IDA to pursue this grant.
click to download audioIn response to a question from District 3 Magistrate Brent Stallins about the purpose of the grant, Young explained that it’s to strengthen the regional economy and involves rural health and agriculture.
Magistrates unanimously approved a motion to proceed seeking the grant.
