The Southern Pennyrile Chamber Alliance, a joint initiative of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Trigg County Chamber of Commerce, and Todd County Industrial Foundation, is planning a trip to Frankfort on February 9^th to advocate for the projects listed below:
 

• Hopkinsville Community College Allied Health facility and program- The Alliance requested for the project to be included in the Governor’s budget proposal and for support from the House and the Senate. UPDATE: The Governor’s budget does not include the funding for the facility.  The Alliance will be working with legislators to identify funding for this program.  Interested citizens are encouraged to call 1-800-372-7181 to leave the following note for all members of the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Steve Beshear- “Please add the Hopkinsville Community College Allied Health facility and program to the 2012 proposed budget as it will help create jobs and meet real need in Western Kentucky.”
•  Advocating for the Barkley Bridges on 68-80- The Alliance requested keeping this project in the six year road plan. UPDATE: The recently released road plan includes this project with federal funding to support construction.  The Alliance is excited to see this project to completion.
•  Regional Training Facility in Todd County- The Alliance requested $2.5 million in funding for a regional training facility to leverage the impact of Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and future growth in related fields in our region. UPDATE: The Regional Training Facility in Todd County was not included in the Governor’s budget.  The Alliance will work with legislators to seek funding for this project.  Interested citizens are encouraged to call 1-800-372-7181 to ask that this project be included in the 2012 proposed budget to ensure that residents of the Southern Pennyrile are prepared to for the jobs of tomorrow.
•  Seeking to increase the speed limit to 65MPH on 68/80- The Alliance requested the state increase the speed limit on 68/80, where deemed safe, from Bowing Green to Murray, KY. UPDATE: The Alliance is working with several interested parties to determine the best method for this request.
•   MSU Breathitt Veterinary Center project- The Alliance requested nearly $30 million in construction funds for this project.  UPDATE: The Governor’s budget includes funding for purchasing land for the BVC project.  Interested citizens are encouraged to contact the General Assembly to encourage them to keep this project moving forward by calling 1-800-372-7181.
•  Completion of 68/80 Bypass in Northeast Christian County- The Alliance requested construction funds be added to Kentucky’s six year road plan.  UPDATE:  The six year road plan includes funding for design work on this project.

 
Dr. Jim Selbe, Chair of the Southern Pennyrile Chamber Alliance, commented, “We were excited to see many of our regional projects in the Governor’s budget and the six year road plan.  However, we are also hopeful to advance the HCC Allied Health facility, 68/80 speed limit, and Todd County training facility projects.  We are just beginning our efforts this session and look forward to working with our legislators and state leadership to help support growth in the Southern Pennyrile region.”
 
Southern Pennyrile residents and supporters of the project list are encouraged to contact the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-372-7181 to express your support for the Southern Pennyrile Chamber Alliance projects and/or any specific project on the list.  When leaving a message, please ask the message be delivered to all members of the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Steve Beshear.
 
If you are interested in joining one of the Chamber’s Advocacy Alert teams to help advocate for these or other critical projects, please contact Christian County Chamber President & CEO Carter Hendricks at 885-9096 or chendricks@hopkinsvillechamber.com.