Elliott County court authorizes talks with Bluegrass Engineering on $1M+ water projects and prison backup tank

Elliott County’s fiscal court voted on May 21 to begin negotiations with Bluegrass Engineering, the sole respondent to an RFQ for water-system improvement projects, including water lines and a potential autonomous tank to protect the county’s prison and nearby residents from future service outages.

Judge Curry described a prior water-line break that left the county correctional facility without running water and explained why an autonomous standby supply would be valuable for public-safety and operational continuity. He said the county had applied for a large grant (the judge referenced an award stage “over a million dollars”) to support improvements and that a three‑million‑dollar tank with a $750,000 local match had been discussed as one possible element of a longer-term solution.

“Until then, they really can’t even talk to me about these projects. But if you all approve it, I can start having conversations,” Judge Curry said, explaining that accepting the RFQ respondent would not obligate county funds immediately but would allow the engineer to begin grant planning and system mapping.

The court voted to begin that engagement so Bluegrass Engineering could scope where a tank and associated lines might be located (the judge said ideally close to or on prison property pending discussions with the Department of Corrections) and perform overhead mapping and initial grant work. The judge emphasized the county would not be on the hook for cash at the RFQ-engagement step; the firm’s early work would be to determine feasible locations, costs, and grant-application details.

Questions from magistrates included who would manage the system if a tank were placed on prison property and whether the water utility would be responsible for backups; the judge said those management and operational responsibilities would be addressed in later negotiations and agreements. The court approved the motion to engage Bluegrass Engineering (motion by Michael; second by Brian) by voice vote.

Next steps identified by the court include formal scoping, mapping of existing lines, discussions with the Department of Corrections about siting, and continuing grant-application work to secure the matching funds required for large capital pieces such as a tank.