County engineer warns Meeting Creek costs higher; discusses bridges, FEMA work and pavement analysis

Mark Absher, Hardin County engineer, updated the fiscal court on infrastructure projects and funding on Nov. 10. Absher said the county is working with FEMA on multiple matters and that erosion and sediment control (EPSC) inspections and testing are ongoing for a new subdivision off Queens Lane. He said a pavement analysis (Lincoln Triad) is nearly complete and that the analysis will be used to prioritize roads for LARP funding.

Absher reported that Meeting Creek’s letting is projected for January 2027 and that current cost estimates are "significantly over" previous estimates; he said he will provide more details to the court when available. He outlined efforts to identify which bridges should be prioritized (four bridges currently rated poor) and described continuing coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and federal partners for funding.

During discussion, magistrates and Absher debated funding options for certain projects, contrasting an "8020" arrangement (historical state program described as state pays 80% and county pays balance) with CCBIP funding that might reduce county outlays for specific items. Absher said he had already pursued moving a project into CCBIP and coordinated with state compliance; a magistrate credited external partners for bringing the opportunity forward, producing a brief contested exchange about attribution. Absher also noted staffing constraints that limit how many projects he can pursue at once.

Absher’s report was informational; no binding contracts or final funding decisions were made during the meeting.