Every other year, the Northern Kentucky Consensus Committee solicits input to identify and prioritize capital construction projects for the Northern Kentucky region. The committee consists of representatives appointed from business, government, non-profit and other community organizations from the eight Northern Kentucky counties.
The consensus priority process consists of two steps:
1. An application must be submitted no later than Monday, June 22, 2015.
2. All who submit applications will be invited to give a brief presentation before the Consensus Committee on a date in July to be determined.
At the request of the Northern Kentucky Legislative Caucus in 1989, the consensus committee was formed to develop and market a comprehensive, regional list of capital-intensive projects to be advocated for during the legislative session. This year’s consensus committee will work over the next few months to develop this list to take to the General Assembly for the 2016 legislative session.
“The consensus committee represents all that is great about Northern Kentucky. It reflects our ability to come together, identify transformational projects needing funding from Frankfort, and binds us as one when advocating in the halls of the capitol,” said NKY Chamber President/CEO Trey Grayson.
Past consensus committee priorities successfully lobbied for include the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Northern Kentucky University Bank of Kentucky Center and Health Innovations Center, and Gateway College Mt. Zion Campus and Urban Campus.
What comprises the priority project list?
Over the years, the general premise for including projects on the priority list was that each project should address a clear community need and provide substantial regional benefits. The final list of priority projects should send a strong message to Frankfort that Northern Kentucky is united in its project needs and is committed to securing funding for a list that is both realistic and defensible and that provides an opportunity for Northern Kentucky to get a fair return on its tax investment in the Commonwealth.
What projects are worthy of consideration?
All projects that would have a regional impact in the eight Northern Kentucky counties are worthy of consideration by the committee.
Projects are considered for their community and regional impact. All are encouraged to provide submissions and to “think big.” Those who submit projects are asked to provide the following information to help the Committee in its deliberations:
• Statement of need or reason for the project- Must be for capital construction costs, as opposed to operating or maintenance costs for current facilities.
• Project impact- Whom does this project serve? Will it have a regional, multi-county impact?
• Estimated cost of project- Cost of project should generally be $1 million or more.
• Amount of dollars currently available- Proposed project currently lacks sufficient funding
• Collateral effects of constructing project- Additional infrastructure needs, etc.
Is there a limit to the size of a project to be considered?
Projects listed by the Committee as priorities are generally large and sought because they are out of reach for normal fundraising efforts or serve a public purpose that may not directly generate a profit. The purposes of most projects are to promote economic development or tourism, provide educational opportunities, or serve a public need.
Applications for the projects can accessed here.
From the NKy Chamber of Commerce