It has been more than 14 years since the initiation of the Rockcastle Pedway project, and the City of Inez is caught in the tangle of bureaucracy, miscommunication and unanticipated obstacles.
What was initially seen as a promising venture to construct a pedestrian bridge has become marred by delays, budget overshoots and a loss of accountability. Mostly a loss of accountability.
The city’s hefty investment remains in limbo, with nothing to show in terms of tangible results.
Former Inez Commissioner Dennis Hall’s recent query about the project’s status resonates with the sentiment of many residents. The project was not just a fancy notion. It was a project to progress connectivity and community enhancement.
A city’s investment in community infrastructure is an investment of trust, hope and anticipation of better amenities for its citizens.
It is alarming how, after the significant financial investments by the City of Inez and assurances from state officials, the city has been left empty-handed, grappling for answers. Mayor Ed Daniels confirmed the city had invested $30,000 to $35,000 in engineering services and property acquisition.
The subsequent lack of clarity and the constant deferral by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials create a convoluted narrative.
Multiple times in the past several years, KYTC personnel have stated the project was on track or would be bid out by the end of the month. Personnel even reported the project had been advertised for bids twice and awarded to a contractor, only to come back later and say there was a technical problem and the state had to start over.
The alleged reasons for 14 years of delays – from personal reasons like a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employee caring for a family member with COVID-19 to bid-related issues and budgetary constraints – speak to a fragmented system.
While personal challenges are undeniably difficult, the larger question is: why was there no secondary line of oversight or accountability in such a significant project?
Regardless of the factors in the delay, those factors were on the part of the KYTC.
In June 2022, another issue surfaced. KYTC personnel stated the projected costs had escalated from $400,000 to $700,000, pointing to a lack of oversight, foresight and planning.
That was the last word from KYTC on the project.
Inez citizens deserve transparency, accountability and, above all, the completion of the Rockcastle Pedway project. If that is not possible, they deserve a return of the money invested with interest.
It is time for authorities, from the city to state representatives, to reassess and push for this project’s completion or a fair resolution.
The Rockcastle Pedway project should not be a relic of unfulfilled promises.