Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher unveiled an outdoor warning system for residents of four counties below Wolf Creek Dam.
A system of sirens would sound a warning throughout Cumberland, Clinton, Monroe and Russell counties in the event of a failure at the dam, which holds back Lake Cumberland. The sirens also can be used during times of severe weather and other emergencies.
Wolf Creek Dam is undergoing repairs by the Army Corps of Engineers to halt erosion around its base.
Plans call for 16 weather sirens to be placed in the area. Eight sirens will be installed in Cumberland County, five in Russell County, two in Monroe County and one in Clinton County. The sirens are designed to be audible for as far as four air miles.
The warning system is one of several actions taken by Governor Fletcher on behalf of the affected counties since the Corps of Engineers disclosed that the dam was eroding. Failure of the dam is considered unlikely, but Fletcher directed the enhancement of reverse 9-1-1 emergency dispatch systems and distributed weather radios to households.
“I want to commend Congressman Hal Rogers and Congressman Ed Whitfield for their commitment to helping protect the people of this region,” said Governor Fletcher. “Without their tireless efforts, many of the resources we are using to ensure the safety of people in the Lake Cumberland area would not have been possible.”
Following the announcement of the new warning sirens, Fletcher joined Senate President David L. Williams, Secretary of Transportation Bill Nighbert, Cumberland County Judge-Executive Tim Hicks, Burkesville Mayor Keith Riddle and other community leaders in breaking ground on a $53 million investment to improve two heavily traveled routes in Cumberland County. The two-pronged design/build project includes reconstruction of a section of State Route 61 and critical safety improvements along State Route 90.
Kentucky’s innovative use of a “design/build” process for highway projects allows work to be completed more quickly and efficiently. Contractors work simultaneously on different aspects of the project, including design and construction.
“I appreciate Governor Fletcher’s commitment to keeping our residents safe,” said Rep. Jamie Comer, R-Tompkinsville. “The outdoor warning sirens will provide another critical line of defense for thousands of residents during severe weather situations and other life-threatening emergencies. I’m also excited to help celebrate the groundbreaking for the KY 90 and KY 61 improvement projects, which will improve safety and mobility, not only for the people of Cumberland County, but for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel those roads en route to Dale Hollow Lake.”
The project includes reconstruction of a 5.5-mile section of State Route 61 from Jones Chapel to a point just south of State Route 704. The new roadway will have improved shoulders, wider bridges, and improved drainage.
Source: Office of the Governor of Kentucky
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