Christian County to break ground on infrastructure for new campus

The government of Christian County is scheduled to break ground on the start of a multiphase campus project that's years in the making.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled Sept. 14 at 2701 W. Jackson St. for the utility infrastructure at the site, according to a news release. K & B Equipment LLC has been hired by the Christian County Commission for the water and sewer infrastructure work.

“This project has been in the planning stage for several years,” Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris said in the release. “I’m happy to say we have finally reached the point where we can put a shovel in the ground and begin to make these plans a reality."

Todd Wiesehan, the county's director of resource management, said via email that the project cost for the infrastructure work is budgeted at around $1.1 million.

The infrastructure is part of Phase I of the more than 39-acre campus project. The phase also calls for the construction of buildings for county staff and an outdoor performance venue for the public. The release indicates the municipal campus would occupy roughly half of the 39 acres, with the remainder having road frontage that will be reserved for commercial development.

Future phases call for the construction of a centerpiece structure to house the offices of elected officials, as well as parking.

Wiesehan said a full cost estimate for the project is not yet available, as design work is underway.

"The goal remains to move forward to the extent possible without financing any new long-term debt," he said.