Whitley flirting with alternate energy forms

By Adam S. Sulfridge / Staff Writer

During November’s meeting of the Whitley County Fiscal Court, Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. explained plans to locate three zero-energy communities in the county, and magistrates approved measures to support America’s coal industry.

White said the county is working with Kentucky Highlands, Oak Ridge Technical Labs, and the University of Kentucky to create zero-energy subdivisions where environmentally friendly homes will actually use less electricity than they produce.

“This is an actual subdivision development plan… one may be just outside of Williamsburg and two others may be located near Cumberland Falls,” he explained. White was hesitant to reveal the prospective locations for each subdivision but did say two would likely be located off Hwy 25 near the entrance to the falls.

Another plan to build just three zero-energy homes is what White referred to as a “pilot program.” He stated that three homes will be built at locations in the southern portion of the county to help gauge the effectiveness of the energy-saving technology. The homes will only be located on previously blighted property, but no exact locations are known yet.

“This is on the cutting edge of technology,” White added and then explained that if the plans were successful, Whitley County would be a destination for business and community leaders hoping to learn about the latest advancements in “green” technologies.

Even while eyeing alternative energy concepts, the fiscal court approved a resolution to support the Federation for American Coal, Energy, and Security, also known as FACES. The resolution supports the group’s mission, which is to “educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies and to our nation’s energy security.”

White stated, “This is showing that 84,000 Kentucky jobs are supported by the coal industry, and half of America’s electricity is generated by coal… This is a formal statement showing our support for America’s coal industry.”

Magistrates also approved a proclamation declaring Nov. 2009 as “Coal Appreciation Month.” White added, “Again, this is recognizing the importance of the coal industry to Kentucky, especially southern and eastern Kentucky.” He noted that one study estimated that Kentucky’s coal industry paid a billion dollars in wages to its employees in 2006.

Also during the meeting, representatives from the Corbin High School JROTC program, Whitley East Elementary Cheerleading Squad, and Cub Scout Pack 514 accepted certificates and checks for their participation in the anti-litter program called Litter Lieutenants.

County Projects Manager Tracy West informed the fiscal court that she applied for the 2010 Litter Abatement Grant and 2010 Open Dump Grant to continue reducing litter and illegal dumping within the county.

An ordinance amending the county’s budget was also approved. White explained that “around half a million dollars” resulting from grant awards was added to the county’s budget, and Magistrate Roger Wells thanked West for her work in applying for those grants.

Just recently, Whitley County was the only entity out of 67 applicants to receive full funding for a 911-related grant from the state.

Lastly, 10 roads were accepted into the county’s road system as part of an agreement between the fiscal court and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Department for Rural and Municipal Aid. As part of the agreement, the following roads will be resurfaced:

Buffalo Church, Ward Cemetery, Wofford Cemetery, Smith Bend, Boyd White, Jordan Hollow East, Jordan Hollow West, Archer Street, Imperial Hollow, Todd Street, and Lick Fork.