Approval of Resolution – Kentucky River Thorobred.
The Kentucky State University (KSU) Land Grant Program supports educational and research programming in the environmental science area. The Land Grant Program’s Kentucky River Thorobred is a U.S. Coast Guard certified laboratory/classroom. It is 16 feet wide, and 52 feet long. It is made of aluminum and can carry up to 48 passengers. This floating laboratory was first stationed in 2013 on the Kentucky River, in Frankfort, Kentucky and it has been used by KSU for Extension programming to support educational experiences for K-12 students and the general public in the areas of aquatic ecology, watershed protection, and water quality research. This vessel was purchased with USDA federal grant funds. Due to rising operation costs and its large size, KSU is seeking Board approval to sell or dispose of this vessel pursuant to KRS 164A.575 (8).
The Thorobred will be replaced with a smaller research only craft for KSU faculty, staff, and students for water quality and aquatic organism studies. This research boat will have increased maneuverability, allow better river navigation to reach shallower areas of the river, and facilitate use of locks on the Kentucky River System. USDA Extension funds saved by this action will be then used for ecological education at the new enlarged Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) in Henry County.
This action will reduce the KSU USDA Extension budget so these funds can be used for ecological education at the Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) in Henry County.
Interim President Ronald A. Johnson recommends that the Kentucky State University Board of Regents approve of the disposal of the Kentucky River Thorobred as surplus property.
Approve the sale or disposal of the Kentucky River Thorobred as surplus property.