Signs of protest have popped up all over Bourbon County yards. The community is currently, and successfully, protesting House Bill 6, a project proposed by the Kentucky department of Military Affairs to construct an airport, which would in turn create a 7,800-foot runway going through much of the rural farmland of Bourbon County. This would be detrimental to the community, should it come to pass, but locals are fighting and they are fighting hard.
What is Eminent Domain?
One of the main concerns of the community is the lack of choice in the matter and that is due to a law put in place that allows the government to legally appropriate private property for public use in return for “fair” compensation the government decides. Essentially, locals can either take the sum deemed just or, get nothing and lose their home. Naturally, this is a concern for those impacted.
What is the Purpose of the Airstrip?
The airstrips were proposed by the Kentucky department of Military Affairs in an effort to increase national defense and boost the local economy. House Bill 6 was taken to Frankfurt and approved, effectively green-lighting the multi-million dollar proposal. That is, until the Bourbon County community came together and protested.
The Community Coming Together.
Those not directly affected by the Bluegrass Airport have come to their neighbor’s aid by putting up signs of protest, signing petitions, and reaching out to local news outlets. Many members have taken to social media in an effort to bring light to this issue and to hopefully incite change. They have succeeded. Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s Governor, has publicly expressed his hesitation with the project and overall dislike. “It should not move forward, and I will not support its inclusion in any final budget this year, or in the coming years.” (Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern).
As shown by the strong and resilient residents of Bourbon County, one does have a say in their community. One can do what may seem as impossible as long as they come together and support their neighbors. Many homes now have the ability to be saved due to the actions of the community. The proposal is currently being debated and potentially revoked. That’s a win for Bourbon County homeowners.
