BURLINGTON — Boone County's new law enforcement headquarters, its new jail and the new road to get to them should move a step closer to completion with today'sexpected fiscal court approval of a $22 million bond issue and two road contracts for just over $2 million.

        That's good news for Burlington-area drivers, who officials say are the beneficiaries of the Conrad Lane extension to the new facility.

        The purpose of the road extension — expected to be started immediately and finished by Aug. 1 — is to provide another route to the public safety complex without having to drive through Burlington.

        “This will improve transportation options for those who live in the Burlington area, by providing alternative routes around the town center,” said Gary Moore, Boone County judge executive.

        “Also, on those occasions when the county fairgrounds is being utilized, traffic flow to and from Burlington will be tremendously improved,” he said.

        The Conrad Lane extension will take the road west from Bulletsville-Burlington Road to Idlewild Road.

        “We're recommending to the court (to contract with) Kay and Kay Contracting in London, Ky.,” said Robin Curry, Boone County contract administrator, of the $1.72 million excavation contract.

        In addition, Mr. Curry will recommend that a bid for $346,500 from Barrett Paving in Boone County be accepted for the asphalt work.

        The law enforcement complex is to be built on property the county owns just north of Burlington on Bulletsville and Idlewild roads, said John Stanton, deputy county administrator.

        The new headquarters will include the sheriff's department, emergency management department and the jail. It will replace the old jail and sheriff's department now located in the county administration building on Ky. 18. Officials say the current facility is too small.

        The new one is targeted for a December 2003 completion date. JKS Architects, based in Hopkinsville, is completing the design work for the safety complex. “We hope to break ground some time in July,” said Mr. Stanton.

        Mr. Stanton said the new facility is desperately needed.

        “The Boone County jail is undersized for the jail population it's serving,” said Mr. Stanton. The old jail is designed to hold 160 prisoners; the new jail will be designed to house 350.

        “The law enforcement headquarters is also undersized,” he said. “They're both being designed for possible expansion. It should really meet the needs of the county for a long time to come.”

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