BTADD honored with Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky award

The Buffalo Trace Area Development District received the prestigious Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky award at this year's Governor's Local Issues Conference, held Aug. 13-15, in Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 20, 2025) – A regional partnership that transformed aging infrastructure into a model of innovation and cooperation has earned the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) the prestigious Peggy Satterly Spirit of Kentucky award.

Senior Advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, Rocky Adkins, presented the award at this year's Governor's Local Issues Conference in recognition of the Augusta Regional Sewer Project, which replaced two failing wastewater treatment plants in Augusta and Brooksville with a new regional facility.

Both plants, built in the 1970s, had long surpassed their useful life. BTADD worked with the cities of Augusta and Brooksville, the Bracken County Fiscal Court and the Augusta Regional Sewer Authority to deliver the project, which was estimated at more than $13 million and would not have been implemented without financial assistance.

In 2020, the project received the largest amount of Kentucky Rural Development grant funds awarded that year. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority supported the effort with a 30-year loan at the lowest available interest rate of 0.25% and $1.3 million in loan forgiveness. 

"I'm excited this project was selected as it highlights the heart of our mission at the Buffalo Trace Area Development District," BTADD Executive Director Kevin Cornette said. "The Augusta Regional Sewer Project is proof of what can be accomplished when communities come together with a shared vision. By replacing two failing plants with one modern, regional facility, we've not only reduced costs and protected our environment, but also ensured reliable service for generations to come."

The new plant provides reliable wastewater treatment for nearly 1,000 customers, including about 80 new customers who previously depended on private septic systems. The facility also offers added capacity to support future growth across the region. 

Bracken County Second-District Magistrate Craig Miller, speaking on behalf of Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden during the presentation, highlighted the impact of the project despite numerous hurdles, including a location change and plan redesign.

“We turned obstacles into steppingstones,” Miller said. “The result is a state-of-the-art treatment plant, four major lift stations and 10 miles of force main line that together provide efficient, compliant and sustainable service to nearly 1,000 customers with room for future growth. This project has saved taxpayer dollars, improved public health, supported economic development and ensured environmental stewardship for generations to come.”

About Peggy Satterly

Peggy Satterly served Kentucky for 48 years, working for 11 Governor's administrations. During her career, she worked at the Department for Local Government, serving 20 years as Kentucky's program manager for the Appalachian Regional Commission.