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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Background:
The Kentucky TriModal Transpark (KTT) is currently being planned by the Inter-Modal
Transportation Authority, Inc. (ITA) of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The proposed KTT will be
located within a 6,600-acre study area approximately 5 miles northeast of Bowling Green and
adjacent to I-65, the CSX Railroad, US 68/80, and US 31W. The land requirement for the KTT
is approximately 4,000 acres that will be developed in phases. The ITA has envisioned that the
KTT will ultimately include the following facilities:
o
Business/Commerce Park
o
Access to the CSX Railroad
o
Replacement Airport for Bowling Green – Warren County Regional Airport with a
7,000-foot Runway
The business/commerce park is currently being planned, designed, and financed without
any federal funding. Federal funding and approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) are being sought for the airport segment of the long-range development proposed within
the KTT.
Although there is currently no federal sponsor for this project, coordination was
conducted with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the public, in the spirit of the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. When the airport segment of this project
is advanced in the future, under FAA auspices, this environmental impact evaluation can serve as
a tool to assist in the preparation of a FAA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It is
important to note that without a federal sponsor at this point in the project, NEPA does not
apply to the business/commerce park proposal
.
The ITA, however, has elected to prepare an
environmental impact document for the proposed undertaking in order to identify potential
areas of environmental concern and to assure that there is an appropriate level of examination
of avoidance, minimization, or mitigation opportunities for potential adverse impacts.
Extensive environmental investigations by highly qualified environmental consultants
have been performed for this proposed undertaking. The special expertise of recognized
regional authorities on specific key issues has also been utilized in the selection of the
preferred site and preparation of this document. A thorough examination of the project study
area and analysis of potential impacts to biotic communities, endangered species, terrestrial
ecosystems, caves and subterranean ecosystems, wetlands, and aquatic resources was
accomplished by Commonwealth Technology/Third Rock Consultants, Inc. over a multi-
seasonal examination period. The LawGibb Group has conducted a meticulous evaluation of
karst geology and geotechnical issues associated with the study area. Logsdon & Logsdon
Architects accomplished integral archival research, coordination and identification of the study
area’s cultural resources. And Palmer Engineering and Wilbur Smith Associates have
completed an inquiry into the proposed project’s consequences relative to social and economic
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