Knott County schedules lithium project public meeting; residents raise water and rural-development concerns

At the March 18 Knott County Fiscal Court meeting officials announced a public meeting about a proposed lithium project, saying engineers, project managers and legal representatives would be available to answer questions.

"The last thing is the lithium update. It's only we put it on here is we just wanted to update everyone about the meeting for Wednesday. It'll be here at noon. Also, we'll be live streamed," Speaker 1 said, adding that company engineers and attorneys would attend to address concerns.

During public comment, residents and officials pressed county leaders about local water connections and ongoing “last-mile” problems that have delayed water service to some hollows. One resident raised the issue directly: "I'm not satisfied with the last mile project," and others described repeated delays and changing project scopes under federal or state vetting processes (RD and CRAD).

Court members said they are following up via the county engineer (Nesbitt) and that easements, right-of-way certifications and exhibit drawings were expected soon to move projects forward. The court encouraged residents to attend the lithium meeting to ask questions and said the meeting would be an opportunity to have company representatives respond directly to concerns.

No votes were taken on the lithium project at the March 18 session; the item was an announcement and preparation for the scheduled public meeting.