Task force backs Barkley Woods recommendation
By HOLLY WISE
Staff Writer
The Murray State University task force on developing Paducah's extended campus voted unanimously to recommend that Murray State build their own facility on the recently optioned Barkley Woods property.
During its final meeting Monday night at the Crisp Center, the task force also put the finishing touches on its report, which will be presented to Murray State's Board of Regents during its Sept. 12 board meeting.
“I think it's very exciting that Murray State would have its own presence,” said task force member and Paducah service area representative Sandra Wilson after the decision was made.
The model the task force opted for was hindered in previous meetings by the availability of land in the area designated as prime for an extended campus facility. Some of the criteria were close proximity to West Kentucky Community and Technical College, access to Interstate 24 and visibility to the public.
At the time, the likelihood of obtaining land that met these conditions was slim. As a matter of fact, one of the cons of this option as outlined by the task force was “availability of land (I-24 tougher; US 62 better.)” But Task Force Chairman Alan Stout pointed out, “It's significant there has been a significant change. When (the model) was discussed, we didn't even know if land was available.”
Murray State President Dr. Randy Dunn was commended by members of the task force for seeing the opportunity in the Barkley Woods property and acting on it. In July, Dunn put $50,000 down on a land option on 24 acres along I-24 known as Barkley Woods.
The decision is up to the board of regents, which will have to decide if it wants to uphold the recommendation of the task force and agree to purchase the 24 acres along I-24.
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Aug 12, 2008 - 10:55:10 EDT.
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