OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A large chunk of grant funding that was intended to help fund a water infrastructure project in Oak Grove has fallen through. Aligned with plans for the new Buc-ee’s development, the project includes expanding water lines near Exit 89 and a building a 500,000-gallon water tower.
Public Works Director Brian Ahart shared that the city was not awarded sought after grant money, which would have provided around $4 million for the project. Ahart said, “We are at the point where we can reapply, but that’s another six to eight months of waiting and we don’t really have that kind of time left. And even if we reapply, we may not get the grant.”
In 2024, it was originally estimated that the project would cost around $9 million. Despite the grant setback, there was recently another source of funding. On Jan. 23, Congressman James Comer announced that the Consolidated Appropriations recently passed by Congress includes $1 million in federal funding for this project.
Cost estimates coming soon, accommodating for Buc-ee’s growth
The water project aligns with construction of the new Buc-ee’s in an effort to improve water pressure and accommodate for future residential and commercial growth in the area. State road crews also plan on reshaping the roads around Exit 89 to make room for traffic that Buc-ee’s will bring, which includes constructing an additional bridge and several roundabouts…