Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton and Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, along with other local leaders and community members, gathered Wednesday morning for the State of the Cities and County Address, focusing on several topics including key infrastructure and energy projects poised to drive growth and stability in the region.
Jason Vincent, Executive Director of the Pennyrile Area Development District and a Hopkins County resident, moderated the event where Mayor Cotton and Judge Whitfield discussed topics such as economic development, infrastructure, and retail development.
Mayor Cotton stated that the West Noel Interceptor Project is currently Madisonville’s largest infrastructure project by cost. He described it as a game changer for Madisonville and Hopkins County, addressing near-capacity sewer issues and supporting anticipated growth over the next 50 years.
click to download audioHe mentioned they are redesigning a project phase to save about $2 million, allowing them to combine two phases and expedite the process.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield has been focusing on infrastructure improvements in the county’s south end. He noted that the current water project there was made possible with support from the Hopkins County school board.
click to download audioHe also mentioned several road infrastructure projects, including paving over 20 miles of roads.
click to download audioAdditionally, Mayor Cotton announced plans for a new 75 MW KYMEA power plant in Madisonville, with the final approval piece expected by April 5, with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 15. He noted the $180 million natural gas plant is seen as a significant opportunity for the city.
Judge Whitfield mentioned a 150 MW solar project underway in the Nebo area, extending into Webster County. He emphasized the importance of this project, alongside the natural gas plant, in meeting the county’s energy needs and benefiting the community as a whole.
Mayor Cotton emphasized that coal is what is powering America, noting that due to so many regulations on coal companies, some of the power plants are shutting down and being replaced by solar farms. He stressed the need to balance reliable power sources to maintain energy stability.
WFMW’s News Edge will have more from the State of the Cities and County Address in the coming days.
To view pictures from Wednesday morning’s address at the Ballard Convention Center, click here.
