By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Tennessee Governor Bill Lee came to State Line Road this morning to hear what Henry Countians have to say about the importance of expanding Hwy. 641 into Henry County.
Addressing a large crowd of state and county officials and interested citizens gathered under tents in a cornfield, Governor Lee said, “I wanted to see these roads, look at what’s happening and drive these roads you’re all talking about here.”
Governor Lee spoke as crews with the Jim Smith contracting firm of Grand Rivers, Ky., were working to finish the Kentucky portion of the highway expansion project.
Governor Lee thanked State Representatives Jay Reedy, Tandy Darby and State Senator John Stevens “for advocating for this community.” He noted that Tennessee, Florida and Texas are currently recognized as the “three most populous states. We have the lowest tax rate, the fastest growth economically and the lowest debt. All important items. That’s why Ford decided to come here.”
We have highways that need to be built and it’s a good problem to have, the governor said. “We are in a state that pays as you go when we build our highways. We are disciplined in how we pay for our roads.”
“I understand you want this now and I want the project, too, but we want to make sure it’s done and appropriately done,” he said.
Governor Lee said, “I hear you and I know you are fierce advocates for this. Actually, this might be the most aggressive campaign I’ve seen. We’ll work together.”
Also speaking at today’s event were Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, former Henry County Mayor Brent Greer, Dr. Tony Brannon and Gordon Smith of Murray State University and Mark Manning of the Murray-Calloway Co. Economic Development office.
Clifty Farms President Michael Murphey presented the governor with a Clifty Farms ham at the conclusion of everyone’s comments.
Greer related the history of the project which goes back many years, noting, “It means a lot to our community especially at a time that we’re trying to step things up industrially in Henry County. We want you to help us reach our dream that was started 30 years ago.”
Gerrell said more and more industries want “four lane access” before they even consider moving into an area. He said it feels like Henry County “is on the cusp of something big. We need to press on with this project and get it done.”
Murray State’s Dr. Brannon joked that the crowd represented the biggest gathering in that area since over 200 people were arrested at a wet t-shirt contest at the former Big Apple several years ago. “I’m here as a landowner and a taxpaying citizen,” he said. “I’ve been involved in meetings about this for several years. It’s been in the planning stages for many years.”
Noting that Hwy. 641 “stays hopping all the time”, he said the road needs to be widened and connect the two states. “In my opinion, that’s the most important issue right now. It should be a top state priority.”
Smith said the highway widening and expansion “is very important to us at Murray State. Our employees have to travel this road every day and it’s important for us to have a safe route.”
Manning noted, “To see this many people here from Kentucky and Tennessee says more than I can say. We need to do this more. We need to have a better connection between Calloway and Henry Counties. We need it for all of us. When one of us wins, we all win.”
Photo: Governor Lee addresses the crowd at this morning’s gathering. In the front row, from left are: Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, State Rep. Jay Reedy, State Sen. John Stevens and Michael Manning. (Shannon McFarlin photo).