Guthrie City Council members again heard Tuesday night how dire the situation is regarding the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
City Engineer Mike McGhee told magistrates at least two grants had been applied for, and some not-so-great news was returned regarding them. He added that they are searching for other avenues to fund it.
The project is estimated to cost around $20 million, and the city does not have the funding to borrow that much money and pay it back without significantly raising rates. McGhee shared that Novelis is wrapping up its second phase of construction, which includes a production expansion.
Councilmembers unanimously approved McGhee’s ask and also heard from Pennyrile Area Development District’s Amy Frogue, who shared other grants that could be applied for to help the project.
Frogue added that if the project receives no additional funding, the city will have to pass on the project’s cost to residents.
All parties involved hope that House Bill 9, currently going through the Kentucky legislature, would help with the project. Members of Guthrie City Council are planning to visit Frankfort to see District 16 Representative Jason Petrie and others to share the latest on the situation and see how the state can help.
