Protect KY 151 From Industrialization

In our community, between 1969 and 1977, improvements to KY 151 and US 127 were studied and designed. Right-of-way was purchased to construct KY 151 on new right-of-way in Anderson and Franklin Counties. These improvements proposed two lanes on four lanes of right of way. Essentially, over 4.3 miles of KY 151 would be on new alignment. The new route would bypass Alton to the west and cross KY 151 ½ mile north of Alton. Then cross KY 151 paralleling and exiting KY 151 and rejoining the improved part of KY 151 in Franklin County. This project bisected farmland in our present-day community. Following attendance at public meetings, hearings, comments on a Final EIS, and eight years of disruption to the community, improvements to US 127 and a connection to KY 151 were made, and KY 151 improvements on new alignment was never constructed.

In 2005, property owners received a notice from KU of a proposed construction of electric transmission line. One of three lines, this 138,000-volt electric transmission line originated from an expanded plant in Trimble County. Then continued through KU’s substation in Franklin County to KU’s Tyrone generating station in Woodford County. This line would bisect farmland throughout our community taking a 150-foot swath of right-of-way to construct electric towers. KU stated, “this line was one of three lines essential to meet KU’s customers’ growing demand and maintain their ability to reliably transmit power throughout central Kentucky’s electric grid.” KU considered this approach the “least cost” method to serve their customers’ needs.

The farming community banded together, attended public meetings and meetings with the public service commission to oppose construction on farmland. This resulted in construction being denied at the proposed location. KU had existing right-of-way along US 127 and power lines, so other routes were available.

Around 2013, Bluegrass Pipeline, LLC (Bluegrass) sought to construct a 24-inch, pressurized, natural gas liquids pipeline across 13 Kentucky counties. Right of way agents approached property owners in our agricultural community about purchasing an easement for construction. The company told property owners they had the power of eminent domain, but “did not like to use it.”

After many right-of-way agents’ meetings, community meetings, public meetings, attorneys and court, the courts determined that Bluegrass is a private, for-profit, unregulated entity and did not have the power of eminent domain. Furthermore, the pipeline’s purpose was to transport NGLs to the Gulf Coast. Not to provide natural gas to Kentuckians, but to have NGLs, a mixture of highly dangerous chemicals, running through Kentucky farmlands and forests, and near rural communities. Bluegrass would not have condemnation power because it applies only to utilities regulated by the PSC. Moreover, Bluegrass does not fall within the scope of the term “in public service” because it is transporting NGLs interstate through Kentucky.

The Court of Appeals stated “Bluegrass remains free to build its pipeline by acquiring easements from willing property owners. However, they cannot invoke the sovereign power of eminent domain to threaten or intimidate, or even suggest to landowners who have no desire to sell, that Bluegrass has the right to take their property without their consent.” Following this ruling, Bluegrass Pipeline, LLC halted their pursuit of land in our community.

Residents on KY 151 have witnessed multiple commercial vehicle accidents over the years. There have been crashes involving highly flammable liquids, semi-tractors through yards and even semi-tractors through houses.

In 2016, the agricultural community banned together, gathered facts, hired an attorney, and approached the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). The residents requested KYTC to ban trucks from KY 151 for safety reasons. As a result of this request, KYTC removed KY 151 from the National Truck Network. This in effect banned STAA vehicles from KY 151 between Florida Tile and the landfill on an emergency basis. The case went to circuit court in an effort to ban additional trucks; however, the case was dismissed. To this day, KY 151 does not allow STAA vehicles. Since US 127 was built for the express purpose of carrying trucks between the Bluegrass Parkway and I-64, a recent KYTC study did not recommend KY 151 be added back to the National Truck Network.  

Kerry and Lou Smith filed for a zone change for their property located at 1939 Graefenburg Rd (KY 151). They seek to rezone 450+ acres from agricultural to light industrial to sell the property to Buffalo Trace. Buffalo Trace seeks to install 24 bourbon barrel warehouses housing 1.4 million barrels of bourbon. There are additional plans for further development of the property.

The community has banded together to oppose the rezone and voice their opposition in public hearings, the news, social media and this website. Due to the increased traffic on an already unsafe road, property damage from Whiskey Fungus, potential large-scale fires, potential contamination of the water basin via leakage into South Benson Creek, light pollution, sound pollution and property devaluation, the community opposes Buffalo Trace at this location.

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended the zone change, despite it being a clear case of Spot Zoning and violating multiple rules and guidelines in the Anderson County Comprehensive Plan. The Anderson County Fiscal Court approved the zone amendment on July 19, 2022 by a vote of 4-2. We are assessing the situation for next steps.