Time Frame Unclear for Kentucky Lake Ferry

Almost a month after a cargo ship collision brought down part of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge, area residents are still waiting to see what will be done to restore the crossing.  State officials are considering a ferry service to move traffic across Kentucky Lake. Marshall County Judge-Executive Mike Miller tells The Paducah Sun he’s been in constant contact with the Department of Highways, and he has no word yet on a plan, with or without a ferry, to restore traffic.  Miller says one issue with a ferry service is finding areas on each side of the lake with water deep enough to allow a boat’s approach. 

Lee Roberts, public affairs specialist for the Army Corps of Engineers, said any work on ferry landings, including adding fill dirt to the lake for a landing, would require corps approval. The corps issues permits for lake construction projects based on the federal Clean Air and Water Act. So far, no applications for permits for ferry projects have been received.

Miller says the Tennessee Valley Authority, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard are collaborating on solutions.  K-Y-T-C spokesman Keith Todd says Governor Steve Beshear assured him the state is working on a time frame of weeks, not months, for the ferry.