Smiths Grove gateway fundraising near halfway mark

SMITHS GROVE, Ky. (WNKY) — Fundraising for a proposed Interstate 65 welcome gateway in Smiths Grove is already about halfway to its original goal, according to Operation PRIDE.

Operation PRIDE board member and former Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanan gave Smiths Grove city commissioners a progress report Monday night, about a month after the estimated $425,000 project was first presented.

Fundraising gaining momentum

Buchanan said donor interest has grown faster than expected.

“We’re not coming and asking for anything. We just want you all to know that this is moving along faster than we anticipated,” Buchanan said. “We have a number of lead givers who are interested.”

He said several potential lead donors have expressed interest, along with others offering smaller contributions. Buchanan told commissioners the fundraising effort is now about halfway to its original goal.

Buc-ee’s has also indicated it plans to contribute, although organizers do not yet know how much. T.J. Samson Health was also mentioned among those interested in supporting the effort.

Land being donated

The gateway is planned near McKinley Road and Interstate 65. Buchanan said the property needed for the project is being donated, eliminating the need to purchase land.

Funding for the gateway is expected to come from private donations and fundraising rather than taxpayer dollars.

Construction could start this year

Buchanan said construction will begin once organizers have enough commitments to know the project can be completed.

Some components could take months to arrive, including a flagpole that Buchanan said may take 17 to 18 weeks to order and manufacture. Organizers still hope to complete the gateway before the end of the year, if possible.