By Chris Taylor
Gilbertsville, KY – Completing construction of the Kentucky Lock near Gilbertsville will likely be delayed by about three years. Project Manager Don Getty tells the Paducah Sun even though the lock is projected to be completed by 2016, it will likely take eight more years to finish the work. Getty says cavities in the limestone base of the new lock chamber have pushed back blasting. Also convoluting the work's end-date is funding, which is banked through January 2013. However, next year's federal budget includes no allocations. The 1,200-foot lock will cut down on towing costs and is expected to save about $2.50 for every $1 invested in construction.