Meeting Minutes

24 May 2001, St. Catharine College, Springfield, Kentucky

The Heartland Parkway Committee met at the newly constructed Spalding Dining Hall at St. Catharine College in Springfield, Kentucky. After lunch, introductions were made and the Marketing Committee gave their report. The report listed tourist attractions along the anticipated parkway route. Representatives on the committee are encouraged to make changes to the plan and submit it back to Jeffrey Schuhmann. The committee also reported that it will have more information when the economic impact numbers are returned from Ron Crouch. Because the committee is dealing with tourism issues, it was suggested that Tourism Cabinet Secretary Anne Latta be informed of our actions; she will be added to our mailing list.

David Arvin presented a logo which will go onto our Heartland Parkway website. The home page is operational at www.akreation.com/heartlandparkway. We will be adding links of state representatives, cities, counties, and tourist destinations on the site when it is up and running-please submit your websites to Jeffrey Schuhmann or David Arvin.

Discussion was also made about a pamphlet to describe our parkway project. It was estimated that we would need around 500 pamphlets. The pamphlets will contain key points about the project, its economic benefits, and the economic status of our area.

A media campaign, including Louisville and Lexington markets, will need to be launched. It was decided that all state, federal, and local legislators would need to be invited. The location for this meeting was tentatively set for Lindsey Wilson College.

Sherrill Smith from the Department of Transportation attended the meeting. The committee expressed its appreciation for what DOT has done for the project so far and how we look forward to continuing our work with the department. Mr. Smith stated that we must develop a Cost/Benefit analysis for the project to show those who can provide funding how the money will be spent and how many people will be affected. We must also decide how many vehicles will be using this parkway. Mr. Smith suggested contacting Annette Coffey in the Frankfort office, meeting with Secretary Codell, state Representatives, and Senators. He also suggested contacting Mike Hancock who works with the Governor's staff on the 6-Year Road Plan. Mr. Smith anticipated a 6-7 year period from startup to completion.

Sandy Simpson, from Congressman Ed Whitfield's office, was also present. She stated that the Congressman was behind the project and believed it would bring about a tremendous economic impact to the area.

The importance of completing a corridor study was also discussed. We will need to inform the appropriate ADD districts of our actions.

The next meeting for the Heartland Parkway Task Force will be July 26, at 12:00 EDT at the Campbellsville Country Club. Lunch will be dutch treat.