Mark York (502) 564-3350

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 20, 2004) – Business, industry and citizen groups shared their environmental concerns in Jefferson County today in a series of meetings with LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC).

Wilcher spent the day on a fact-finding tour and meetings to clarify various concerns relating to the environment in Jefferson County, from air and water quality to environmental education opportunities in the community. Wilcher said the meetings were used to facilitate a discussion of the issues and to begin the process of crafting solutions to the complex issues.

"One-on-one connections and conversations are essential if we’re to understand the environmental issues that affect people, neighborhoods and industry in Jefferson County," said Wilcher. "Today’s tour and meetings will help our cabinet work more effectively with federal and local governments and business and citizen groups to find creative solutions to these critical issues."

Wilcher went on a driving tour of the Rubbertown area, toured the Rohm and Haas plant, visited the Blackacre State Nature Preserve and met with citizen groups during the trip to Jefferson County.

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