NEWS:  Lock and Dam 10 Update
By: Christopher Mullikin

The Kentucky River has been the life-blood for Madison and Clark County residents for over 200 years, but this essential asset to our community has faded out of sight and mind to many local residents, and Kentuckians, over the last several decades. Just as many other relics of Kentucky's rich history have been overlooked and eventually forgotten, lock number 10 at Booneborough has started to fade into a distant memory.

The dam and its adjacent lock, which has been inoperable for several years, are in desperate need of repair. In order to secure these repairs, the Kentucky River Authority (KRA), which has control over the operation of locks and dams five through 14, must give their approval and allocate funding.

"Currently the board members (of the Kentucky River Authority) are focusing on locks numbering 1-4 and there is a lack of funding which inhibits any productivity to take place (on lock and dam 10)," said Ed Burtner, mayor of Winchester.

Since 2000, the KRA has stated that the renovation of lock and dam 10 is a goal they must accomplish. They estimate a total cost for the project to be approximately 20 million dollars.

Burtner feels that the public needs to be informed of the current situation and concerns of the locks and dams in the area.

"It is crucial that this issue, and other issues of this magnitude, be dealt with in great care, thought and concern in a timely manner," Burtner said. In raising awareness about the plight of lock and dam 10, Burtner feels that the goal of repairing them can be achieved.   

While renovations of lock and dam 10 are being discussed, the completion date has been set between 2010 and 2012. Burtner conveys a sense of urgency in getting the renovations finished sooner.

"Repairing the dam is an extremely valuable asset and necessity for the people of this community who rely on the Kentucky River for their drinking water and their electrical power. Something needs to be done now," Burtner said.

Pat Banks, the Kentucky Riverkeeper, agrees with Burtner, "This is huge. We need to support efforts to move forward in a progressive and timely manner. It will take all of us to focus our efforts and our resources on this important issue."