Salt Lick is nearly finished constructing the first ever helicopter landing pad in Bath County, and officials said it’s already been used to potentially save a life. The landing pad, located close to Main Street in the downtown area, enables EMS and firefighters to more quickly respond to emergencies in rural parts of Bath County.
Bill Unchester, Mayor of Salt Lick, initiated the project alongside the city’s volunteer fire department and other first responders. He said even though Salt Lick is a small town with a population of less than 300 people, their emergency services stretch beyond city limits.
“The area the city of Salt Lick serves Cave Run Lake, all the way to the Menifee County line, all the way to the Rowan County line, and to the city seat of Bath County, Owingsville. So, we cover a big area,” said Unchester.
The entire project was built from the ground up by community members and organizations. Unchester said that includes workers from Frenchburg’s Job Corp program, the People’s Bank of Flemingsburg, and other hardworking community members.
“We’ve had local guys do the ground clearing, and then we had the Job Corp do the work. We had the bank supply the money,” said Unchester. “So, it’s something that brings the community together and makes us proud to be in Salt Lick.”
Harsh weather conditions have caused delays for finishing the walking area of the helipad. Unchester added he expects it will be complete in the coming weeks once rainfall slows and workers are able to lay concrete.
The helipad got its first use in May, and while Unchester said he hopes it continues to serve the region, potentially saving just that one life has made its implementation worthwhile.