KYTC: Community response ‘overwhelming’ for potential outer loop, ‘no build’ a possibility

June 19, 2021 | 12:11 am

Updated June 18, 2021 | 11:04 pm

Outer Loop Petition

More than 3,500 people have signed an online position in the last two days to “Stop the Owensboro Outer Loop.” Opposition has rapidly grown since Kentucky Transportation officials announced the potential for an outer loop around Owensboro a couple of weeks ago.

Over the last two weeks, Deneatra Henderson, KYTC chief district engineer, said the cabinet appreciates the “overwhelming response” from the community.

“Many variables are necessary to move such a large project forward, including favorable community support,” Henderson said.

Henderson said a potential outcome of a feasibility study is “no build,” meaning if the loop were determined to not be a viable option, no action would be taken further.

Henderson said an update on the plan will be made when the public comment survey closes on July 2. (The direct link to the survey can be found here.)

After a Wednesday meeting with KYTC, farmer Reisz Krampe said he made an online petition (found here) against the outer loop. He went to sleep that night with 100 signatures on the petition, and woke up the next morning to 1,700 signatures — and it continues to gain support.

“I was completely blown away,” Krampe said Friday morning. “I mean, I couldn’t believe the amount of support that we received from the surrounding community.”

The growing number is a result of the amount of people understanding the dependence on agriculture, Krampe said.

Krampe comes from a fifth-generation farm and has been working on his since he was 11. Now at the age of 21, everything he’s been working for the last 10 years has the chance to be gone.

He isn’t alone. According to Krampe, there’s 916 family farms in the county and several have varying impacts because of a potential loop.

Krampe noted that the signatures aren’t just farmers; instead it’s the rural community in Daviess County coming together.

“People are hurt,” Krampe said. “It’s a constant neglect to the agricultural community.”

Krampe said he has been in contact with members of the Fiscal Court and plans to attend meetings for the Metropolitan Planning Organization board and Fiscal Court to ensure his voice is heard on this issue.

“We’re constantly thinking about ways to improve … but no thought is given to the outside surrounding communities that Owensboro owes its development to,” Krampe said.

Judge Al Mattingly said he doesn’t have an opinion because of how early the development is. Mayor Tom Watson has also noted that it’s early in the process and that he simply wants a calm discussion about the study.

June 19, 2021 | 12:11 am

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