Harlan County could be close to purchasing the Putney Ranger Station from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, as E-911/Special Programs Coordinator Dan Mosley informed fiscal court members during their regular meeting on Thursday that that the county has received permission to use transportation enhancement grant funds to purchase the facility.

Mosley later informed the court that he recently met with Bill Burger, the senior advisor for Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, regarding the Putney Ranger station.

“We have been sitting idle on it for about a year because we don’t have an MOA (memorandum of agreement) with the state. They have been trying to get it appraised because they would like to sell it,” he said.

Mosley said the ranger station appraised for less than $20,000 and added that the Kentucky Heritage Council has granted permission for the use of transportation enhancement grant funds for the purchase of the structure.

“It has great potential on the tourism side of things, especially on the horse trail aspect,” Mosley said.

The court then approved a motion to purchase the ranger station.

Mosley later updated the fiscal court regarding the financial outcome of the recent Poke Sallet Festival.

“You put up $20,000 up front, and it looks like we are going to have about $14,500 returned, so your net investment will be approximately $5,500,” he said.

Mosley also asked for the court’s permission to assist local fire departments as they seek funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The fiscal court approved a motion supporting the local fire departments that apply for building and renovation projects.

“I think we have a good shot at getting something out of it, because it is based on your employment rate,” Mosley said about the potential of receiving grant funds.

David Kennedy, the magistrate for District 3, later discussed a hazard caused by trees becoming lodged against piers that support railroad bridges.

“Every time the water gets up, trees wash up against these piers on the railroad bridges,” Kennedy said. “I had to get the rescue squad out up there last night to get chainsaws and cables to pull these trees loose from around a bridge. It is starting to become a big issue.”

Kennedy asked what could be done to obtain help regarding the problem.

Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop recommended contacting a local official with the railroad industry.

The Harlan County Fiscal Court’s next regularly scheduled meeting is slated for July 16 at 10 a.m.