Election cycles often bring about new, fresh leadership to the table — usually to discuss and enact ideals hopefully improving a wide range of constituents and their needs.
That’s no different for the Pennyrile Area Development District, which for more than 50 years has helped navigate and negotiate federal and state funding associated with municipal and non-profit projects across the nine-county region.
During Tuesday’s Cadiz Rotary Club meeting, PADD Director of Community and Economic Development Amy Frogue noted than in her 20-plus years of service — she’s only seen this much change at the judge-executive level “once or twice.”
Five of the nine counties have new head honchos: Stan Humphries in Trigg County, Jerry Gilliam in Christian County, Kota Young in Caldwell County, Jaime Green in Lyon County and Mack McGehee in Muhlenberg County.
And all of them will have the opportunity to contribute to the over-arching vision of PADD.
For Trigg County, specifically, Frogue noted PADD’s recent investments have included, but haven’t been limited to:
— The widely-discussed broadband expansion into the rural reaches.
— The Trigg County Hospital “swing-bed” project.
— The Cadiz Walking Trail Rehabilitation initiative.
— The Janice Mason Art Museum renovation and ADA compliance.
— The Trigg County Recreation Complex concession stand and restroom rebuilding.
— The $1.4 million in Cadiz Water and Barkley Water District infrastructure.
— And the meals provided by the Trigg County Senior Citizen’s Center.
Cadiz is already being served in the fiber net being provided by Pennyrile Rural and Hopkinsville Electric, with strands being run to some of the more remote areas of Trigg, Christian and Todd counties.
The first major build-out is expected to be completed Winter 2022, Frogue added, with other branches to completed throughout 2023 and early 2024.
Frogue said the improved broadband, combined with the coming natural gas pipeline extension from Todd County, through the state line and to Lamasco, will be a “gamechanger” for the PADD service area.
Trigg’s representation for PADD also includes Cadiz City Clerk Barbie Johnson, Trigg County Hospital CEO John Sumner and Stephanie Perry — all of which, Frogue said, remain actively engaged in regional on-goings.
