Campbell County has outlined its infrastructure and quality of life legislative priorities for the 2024 session.
The county worked with the Campbell Leadership Action Group, the Campbell County Economic Progress Authority and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to develop its legislative priorities. The 2024 legislative session is underway and will end by April 15.
Infrastructure: focuses on the county’s road plan
4th Street Bridge over Licking River
Request: $100 million
This project is currently in the design phase and looks to replace the existing bridge with a multi-modal design accommodating pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
“The 4th Street Bridge was included in the last road plan, so we feel good about it, but we just want to make sure that money and that work is continued into the next budget,” Campbell County Economic and Community Development Director Justin Otto said.
According to the county, the 4th Street Bridge project is vital for Campbell County’s riverfront connectivity and economic development.
“The project, with $65 million in funding, supports key developments like Ovation, MegaCorps Pavilion, Margaritaville and the upgraded Newport on the Levee,” the county said in its legislative priority plan.
US 27 – KY 709 at AA Highway
Request: $13,110,000
This project adds a southbound truck climbing lane and a right-turn lane from US 27 to KY 709, also known as E Alexandria Pike.
“This is one that was in the last road plan, and my understanding is they’re getting pretty close to starting,” Otto said. “But we just want to make sure that we don’t let our foot off the gas on that, that’s got to get done. It’s important to us, and we don’t want to see a road plan that doesn’t include that.”
A traffic study will address safety, congestion and economic development in this area.
“That would be huge for Alexandra just moving traffic at five o’clock in the afternoon,” Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell said.
KY 536 – US 27 to AA Highway
Request: $79.5 million
This project extends Pond Creek Road from US 27 to the AA Highway via the KY 10/KY 1997 corridor, forming the new KY 536.
According to the county, this extension aims to improve regional connectivity and traffic flow and support economic development. The right-of-way for this project is included in the highway plan with funding in place, requiring ongoing attention for completion.
Otto said crews have been surveying the area recently, and the county wants to ensure movement continues.
I-275 – AA Highway interchange
Request: $57.5 million
This project involves relocating the left turn for the I-275 westbound on-ramp, adding a separate movement at the AA Highway and I-275 eastbound ramp intersection and constructing a bridge over the AA Highway. The project also includes adding an extra southbound lane near Rosewood Drive.
According to the county, this project aims to enhance safety and alleviate congestion at the I-275/KY-9 interchange. The county said these changes would streamline traffic and improve safety.
I-275/AA connector – Johns Hill Road to AA Highway
Request: $30.5 million
This project entails building a new connector road from the AA Highway to just south of John’s Hill Road.
According to the county this is part of broader efforts to enhance transportation and connectivity in the area, particularly related to AA highway/I-275 improvements.
KY 709 at AA Highway
Request: $950,000
The design is underway, and construction is anticipated in early 2024.
“While completion is expected before drafting the next road plan, we must remain vigilant to ensure its continuity, especially in case of any delays,” the county said in its legislative priority plan.
Quality of life
Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner and Kentucky State Police Crime Lab development
Request: $21 million
An investment is proposed to develop a new Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner and Kentucky State Police Crime Lab.
The project involves renovating and expanding the vacant 19,000-square-foot civic center building on Harriet Avenue owned by Northern Kentucky University. An additional 8,000 square feet will be added to house the medical examiner/crime lab offices. The project would be financed through $3.7 million in bond funds and $17.3 million in restricted funds.
“The cool part about this is it’s next to NKU, and they want to team with the university, both with lab work and through the medical school, and use some of the students for the workforce,” Otto said.
Those in Northern Kentucky who need an autopsy conducted currently have to do so in Frankfort.
According to the county, this development aims to enhance the state’s overall capacity for medical examinations and crime lab operations, significantly benefiting Northern Kentucky’s public safety and forensic capabilities.
AJ Jolly Park lake restoration
Request: $10 million
Key efforts of this project include:
- Sedimentation remediation: Addressing sedimentation to restore depth and ensure the lake’s health.
- Water quality and fish habitat: Enhancing water quality and fish habitat for ecological balance and fishing.
- Shoreline improvement and erosion control: Stabilizing the shoreline and controlling erosion for safety and aesthetics.
- Utility line relocation: Relocating utility lines for better management.
- Dam upgrade: Strengthening the dam for structural integrity and risk mitigation.
Fire protection districts under KRS Chapter 75A
This initiative aims to (amend KRS 75A), ensure employees in fire protection districts formed by mergers (under KRS Chapter 75A) receive the same benefits as those in KRS Chapter 75 districts.
“When you look at mergers or combining departments, I think that it can’t just be a cost-saving measure,” Otto said. “It’s got to be about better service and if it works.”
The amendment addresses a barrier to merging districts by standardizing benefits, including line-of-duty death benefits, disability insurance, and incentive pay, according to the county. The proposed legislation will ensure consistent benefits across merged and original districts.
NKU online expansion and enhancement
Request: $25 million
NKU seeks a one-time appropriation to expand and enhance its online programs.
According to the county, this move responds to the growing trend towards online education, with NKU increasing its online course and degree offerings in areas like nursing, business administration, and social work. The programs, designed to meet regional workforce needs, cover fields like data science, cybersecurity, and mental health counseling.
The plan includes merging academic and professional courses and updating campus facilities for online instruction, with a budget comprising $15 million for advanced technology, $7.2 million for staffing and $2.8 million for facility upgrades.
Northern Kentucky University’s Young Scholars Academy
Request: $3,500,000 each year/$7,000,000 total for the 2024–2025 biennial budget
The Young Scholars Academy at NKU is requesting $7 million for the 2024–2025 biennial budget to enhance and grow its program.
This dual-credit initiative allows high school juniors and seniors to earn 60 college credits before graduation, covering subjects like biochemistry, pre-engineering, and computer science.
According to the county, this investment in the Young Scholars Academy underscores the value of advanced education in shaping Kentucky’s future workforce and boosting economic growth.
