HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Among discussion in western Kentucky about the proposed multi-county natural gas pipeline, Christian County Now reached out to the Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency for clarification about what this means for local communities, and what phase of the project they currently are in.
The PREA was founded to provide enhanced energy supply opportunities to the Pennyrile region, according to the PREA website. Their first project is a natural gas pipeline that will extend around 50 miles from Lyon County, follow the Interstate-24 corridor across portions of Caldwell, Trigg, and Christian counties, and end in Guthrie with a goal of establishing service in 2027.
PREA Chairperson Eston Glover told Christian County Now that preliminary engineering and some environmental studies have been completed so far, but no ground has moved for the project.
“Final pipeline design will proceed once the full route is confirmed and easement access has been obtained for each property,” Glover said. In September of 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear presented $30 million to help fund the project, which his office described as a critical natural gas pipeline to support rapid business growth. The funding came as a recommendation of Rep. Jason Petrie of Elkton.
Working with landowners, around 50 impacted properties in Christian County
The proposed natural gas pipeline will run underground, at least five feet deep, along I-24 in Christian County to reduce disruption and minimize impact on landowners, according to Glover. Constructing the pipeline requires PREA to build on privately owned land in the region, mostly farmland.
“In Christian County alone, 51 easements have been voluntarily signed and recorded with additional easements still being negotiated and agreed upon,” Glover told Christian County Now. “14 condemnation actions were filed, two of which were voluntarily dismissed by PREA. Of the 12 remaining condemnation cases, five have not been contested and seven are ongoing.”
An easement is defined as gaining rights of use and access for a portion of real property while the landowner retains ownership. Condemnation occurs when a lawsuit is issued in order to procure private property for public use.
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PREA seeks to acquire 30-foot permanent easements plus 30-foot temporary construction easements from landowners to make room for the pipeline. He said the route has also been adjusted to accommodate landowners request such as avoiding ponds or mature trees.
PREA says they provided personal outreach to every effected landowner, and informational meetings were held at the start of the project in 2022. Landowners received materials explaining that they retain ownership of the easement area, and PREA will restore the impacted land after construction is finished.
Due to the depth of the pipeline, PREA assures that normal farming and tillage operations will still be possible after the pipeline is installed. Landowners will be compensated for any repairs or crop damage that may result from construction.
Contracts for supply, regional pushback
When asked about who will benefit from the pipeline, Glover said they currently have three contracts to supply natural gas to the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, the City of Guthrie, and act as a supplemental source to the City of Clarksville in Tennessee. As previously reported by news affiliate Clarksville Now, a resolution was approved by the Clarksville City Council allowing them to enter into an interlocal agreement with PREA.
A previous news release from Fort Campbell Public Affairs that was published by Christian County Now reported that Glover formalized an agreement for Natural Gas Transportation between PREA and Fort Campbell. The Fort Campbell Garrison Commander said at the time that this would help meet the needs of the military instillation.
“Residents who provide an easement across their property may access natural gas through a third-party provider,” specified Glover. “PREA may serve businesses and industries directly and will meet with any resident, business, industry, or agency interested in accessing the pipeline.”
The website called Kentucky Coalition for Property Rights has started a petition against the pipeline in response. This group claims that the condemnation process with landowners is unconstitutional, and PREA does not permit negotiations when it comes to appraising property from landowners. They also question the possible risk to well water, leaks and possible pollutants.
Moving forward, Glover said they are available to provide additional information to local municipalities such as the Christian County Fiscal Court upon request. Glover added. “PREA maintains an open-door policy and meets or speaks with property owners whenever requested.”
The PREA office is at 237 South Ewing Street in Guthrie. Find maps and more information on the PREA website.
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