PADUCAH, Ky.—A recent transfer of excess property by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Paducah Site resulted in significant savings to the Graves County Fiscal Court. DOE transferred a Caterpillar SR4 diesel generator to the Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization (PACRO). PACRO sold the generator to the Graves County Fiscal Court at a rate far below market value so that it can be used as a backup generator to power the county’s government operations.  

“The generator is an example of regional cooperation and work being accomplished through our organization,” PACRO Executive Director Scott Darnell said. “The excess assets from the former gaseous diffusion plant are being put to use by our local governments. We are excited to see that our efforts are ultimately saving our local communities tax dollars that can be applied by our local governments to other uses.” 

The transfer saved Graves County thousands of dollars and fixed a problem that would have otherwise been costly to resolve, officials said.  

“With the generator obtained from PACRO, we will be able to provide emergency power to our jail and other facilities in the event of a disaster or major weather event,” Graves County Fiscal Court Commissioner Richard Galloway said. “PACRO has a very good relationship with DOE and we are very fortunate to have an organization like this supporting our region.” 

“DOE excess equipment that meets the transfer criteria is offered to PACRO as it becomes available.  Reuse of excess equipment saves DOE money and benefits the surrounding communities,” added Jennifer Woodard, Paducah Site Lead for DOE’s Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office. 

Graves County is one of the five counties represented by PACRO. Also represented are McCracken, Marshall and Ballard Counties in Kentucky, and Massac County in Southern Illinois.