FPB committed to lowest cost option

The Frankfort Plant Board (FPB) recognizes and appreciates the commitment of Roger Crittenden and the Tanglewood Neighborhood Association (TNAi) to the community in regards to the replacement of Frankfort’s 135-year old reservoir. While FPB respects the input and the concerns raised by TNAi, Crittenden’s letter to the editor (“Time for FPB to accept decisions on Tanglewood reservoir,” March 28) contains inaccuracies that are important to address.

Crittenden references the April 16, 2018 presentation to the former City Commission and states, “...the cost for one 7 million-gallon tank (FPB’s proposal) versus two 4.6 million-gallon tanks was the same.” The presentation given to the City Commission and TNAi in that meeting (https://bit.ly/2CMI3PB) notes the cost of TNAi’s preferred solution of two 4.6 MG tanks with a 1/16 dome roof as $6.8 million and the cost of the single 7 MG tank as $3.8 million. The TNAi solution was $3 million more expensive a year ago, and remains $3 million more expensive today.

The letter further states, “What the Plant Board needs is one 4.6 million-gallon tank to supply the needs of its customers now and in the future.” However, in their March 14, 2017 “Site Alternatives Evaluation” (https://bit.ly/2uA77VF), the engineers of Strand Associates recommended the construction of a single 7 MG tank to meet current needs. In that report they note, “...we concur with the FPB water staff recommendation to replace the existing reservoir with a single 7 MG tank to meet current daily and peak demands.”

The current reservoir is in dire need of replacement. The best solution economically, environmentally and aesthetically, which meets our community’s water needs, is the single 7 MG tank.

 This solution will not only meet our needs today, but will allow for economically accommodating any future needs for decades to come.

The FPB plan is $3 million less expensive, is 24 percent less volume, its footprint is significantly smaller (at least 22 percent) and is only nine feet taller at the apex of the dome than what TNAi is proposing.

A single 7 MG tank will return the majority of the site to green space, which will allow for the planting of additional trees and landscaping to obscure the view of the dome and improve the overall appearance of the site.

It is the statutory responsibility of the FPB to “make all determinations as to the operation, maintenance, improvement and extension of the electric and water plant.” (KRS 96.176(2)). FPB takes its duty to provide its customers safe, reliable, and economic services very seriously, which is why replacing the reservoir is of the utmost importance.

When making decisions, FPB must continue to think about what is best for all of its ratepayers. The FPB-approved replacement plan is the least-cost option and incorporates the concerns of the TNAi. It is time to take action to resolve any remaining issues and move forward with what is best for the entire community.

-The Board and Staff of Frankfort Plant Board