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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear announces $151 million in BRAC regional growth projects
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky.—Surrounded by community leaders, legislators and local officials, Governor Steve Beshear today announced nearly $151 million in state approved transportation and infrastructure projects for the Fort Knox region. The projects will support the communities in accommodating the growth expected from the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission’s 2005 decision to realign to Ft. Knox.
Approved by the state are 11 infrastructure projects proposed through the Lincoln Trail Area Development District’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA). Also included in the budget are four transportation projects for the region that were prioritized in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s six-year-road plan.
“With the phenomenal onset of the growth and transition brought about by BRAC at Fort Knox, this region of the Commonwealth is growing by leaps and bounds,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our military is one of our greatest partners and today we would like to show our commitment to seeing this region through its growing pains. The $151 million in transportation and infrastructure improvements will go a long way toward building roads, water and wastewater projects to help sustain the many workers, families and residents who are using these resources every day.”
Water and wastewater projects total $38.4 million and include:
- Ft. Knox/Radcliff/Elizabethtown Interconnect Phase I (interconnection study for backup)
- Elizabethtown- City Springs WTP Upgrade Project (upgrade/renovate plant)
- Vine Grove Phase I Water System Improvements
- Louisville Water Co. - Ft. Knox / Hardin Co. Regional Transmission Line
- I-65 Inter-connection with Louisville Water Co. at Bullitt Co.
- City of Brandenburg Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
- City of Brandenburg Elevated Water Tank
- Shepherdsville/ South Bullitt Interceptor
- Radcliff Wastewater System Improvements -Phase II
- Vine Grove - Sewer Line Extension (Hwy 313)
- HCWD#2 Sewer Collection System (Glendale)
Transportation construction projects total $112.4 million and include:
- Ky 313 Sections 1-3
- E2RC Sections 1-3
- New Connector KY313 to Bullion
- North Wilson Road Improvements
“This is a clear statement that Kentucky will do its part to support our military installations, our soldiers, civilians and family members in this very critical transformation,” said Special Assistant to the Governor for BRAC, Col. Ret. Mark D. Needham. “I’d like to commend One Knox, Lincoln Trail Area Development District, and Regional leaders for their skillful collaboration and team efforts.”
Ft. Knox is prepared to receive a net gain of both military and civilian personnel by September 2011. The base is hiring more than 5,000 military and civilian personnel. In total, there will be an increase of about 2,500 military, more than 2,000 civilians and as many as 1,000 permanent contractors. The additional payroll for the area is expected to rise by $322 million annually. Military income for the Elizabethtown Metropolitan Statistical Area reached $1 billion last year.
In addition, about 7,700 family members will also move to Kentucky, increasing the region’s population by approximately 13, 000, many of whom will live in the communities surrounding Fort Knox.
From 2007-2012, the total projected state tax revenue generated from Ft. Knox operations will exceed $385 million, representing a $96 million increase in new state tax revenue. Projected annual state tax revenue is expected to be approximately $75 million.
The Governor’s BRAC Task Force continues to manage the Department of Defense BRAC recommendations. The 14 member task force, which is chaired by Gov. Beshear, was authorized by Executive Order on March 26, 2008.
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