(Submitted Graphic)
The Pike County Energy Research Center would serve as a testing center for various processes associated with utilizing Appalachian resources.
The property, which sits along U.S. 119 a few miles outside of Pikeville, was given to the county by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Plans to locate an energy research center on the property came after a feasibility study investigating the technical and economic aspects for placing both a research center and a coal-to-liquid plant in Pikeville returned positive results. Since the announcement of the feasibility study’s findings was publicized in July, the county has been negotiating with the transportation cabinet to acquire the property.
The proposed energy research center at Scott Fork will be a 40,000 square-foot facility comprised of a national consortium of universities, private industry and government agencies. The center will focus upon building pilot-scale alternative energy plants with commercialization as one goal and workforce training for the energy industry as another. The center will also be dedicated to reclaiming Appalachian mountaintops with hardwoods and other native vegetation.
“The execution of this deed is another step in the process of cementing Pike County’s reputation as America’s Energy Capital. Pike County continues to be a leader in the coal and natural gas industries, and with the construction of this research center, the county will become a leader in the exploration of clean-coal technology and alternative energy methods,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.
“I would like to thank Kevin Damron and the Transportation Cabinet officials for giving us the opportunity that this property has afforded,” Judge Rutherford added.
“Acquiring the deed to the Scott Fork property will be a good thing for the future of Pike County. Once the energy research center is built, it will bring a lot of jobs to the area and it will be a great thing in the long run,” said District Three Magistrate Leo Murphy.
“I don’t think they’ll be replacing (U.S.) 119 anytime soon, so I definitely think it’s a valuable piece of property and we need it and we can use it. I don’t see how anyone could think it’s a bad thing. Anytime you get a piece of property that’s as valuable as this, with very few strings attached, you have to accept it, appreciate it, and maximize its potential,” said Pike County Attorney H. Keith Hall.
Post a Comment
