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Infrastructure

Community Voice

Eminent domain for utility projects

An ongoing Sanitation District 1 sewer line project in Boone County has pushed property rights and eminent domain to the forefront of the county commission race. Candidate Schickel argues such projects are approved without public input and says the fiscal court should reexamine authority delegated to regional authorities years ago; other candidates counter that eminent domain is necessary to build infrastructure that keeps the environment safe and livable.

How should Boone County handle eminent domain for sewer, pipeline and transmission projects?

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Sources

County commissioner candidate Schickel — https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2026-09-23/data-centers-property-rights-transparency-nky-county-commissioner-candidates-debate-top-issues
The reason for that is because years ago we delegated some of our responsibility to these regional authorities, and I'm going to be taking a good hard look at that in the fiscal court.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Keep eminent domain broadly available to build the sewer, water and energy infrastructure the public needs.
  2. Allow eminent domain for genuine public projects, but require public input and fair compensation.
  3. Keep current law while the fiscal court studies how regional authorities approve projects without public input.
  4. Narrow eminent domain so utilities may take private land only when no reasonable alternative route exists.
  5. End eminent domain for projects serving private developments; require fully voluntary land purchases instead.

Brent Spence bridge and transportation

Transportation was among the top issues debated by candidates for the Boone, Kenton and Campbell county commissions, and discussions have broadened since the groundbreaking of the Brent Spence Companion bridge. Candidates say the issue has become even more top-of-mind for Northern Kentucky voters as the region's largest corridor project moves forward.

How should Boone County leaders approach the Brent Spence Companion bridge project and regional transportation needs?

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How important is this to you?

Sources

WVXU — https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2026-09-23/data-centers-property-rights-transparency-nky-county-commissioner-candidates-debate-top-issues
There have been broad discussions of transportation with the groundbreaking of the Brent Spence Companion bridge.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Shift county transportation priorities toward public transit, biking and walking instead of more highway expansion.
  2. Support the Brent Spence project while also expanding public transit options along the corridor.
  3. Complete the Brent Spence Companion bridge as planned to relieve congestion on the region's highways.
  4. Accelerate highway and bridge construction by cutting permitting delays and red tape.
  5. Require tolls and private investment, not general tax dollars, to pay for any new road capacity.