Seeking to complete durability and feasibility studies on new types of blacktop, magistrates of Christian County Fiscal Court Tuesday morning approved the filing of a grant application for rubber-modified asphalt — which, if accepted, will help repave Nelson Drive in Hopkinsville.
Dave Herndon, city street superintendent, noted the project would include two-thirds traditional asphalt and one-third “new” asphalt — which roughly costs 20% more per square yard, but does include recycled materials and has a chance to be much more durable, reliable and available. Its porous nature also has the potential to reduce hydroplaning, while rubber content theoretically adds more grip and friction.
Herndon, however, said such hypotheses need to be proven, and this grant allows for the experiment to be safely managed.
Last July, Governor Andy Beshear announced that four counties in Kentucky, including Christian, were approved in these efforts, and $107,000 was awarded to complete a project on Witty Lane.
In a release, Beshear stated that rubber asphalt roads have proven more resistant to cracking and rutting, and increase the life of the roadway by 7 to 10 years. Furthermore, the money for these projects comes from the Kentucky Waste Tire Trust Fund, which receives $2 from every new tire sold in the Commonwealth.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said he would notify the court on the status of the grant at a later date.
In other court news:
— Parlaying off of comments from District 3 Magistrate George Barnett, District 8 Magistrate John Bruce assured the public not to stress about some of the county’s potentially large expenditures. And that due diligence would come long before thoughts of approval.
Bruce and Gilliam further affirmed that there is a list of short- and long-term goals that the court has already produced in these first three months, and that it would take considerable time to put them in rank-and-file.
— District 7 Magistrate Russ Guffey gave an update on HES and Pennyrile Rural Electric progress, in regard to fiber internet in Christian County.
A potential hold-up, he said, is the county’s need for state approval to have lines cross and reach over state roads.
— The fiscal court also unanimously approved the acceptance of a CDBG project for the YMCA and its lighting, with the lowest bid of $63,105 going to Hopkinsville’s McAfee Electric.
The next meeting is April 11.
