Fulton County Transit Authority breaks ground on facilities’ addition

(Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Kim Jobe, Marketing Director Fulton County Transit Authority)

Although the weather was damp, cloudy, and windy Wednesday morning, the optimism at Fulton County Transit Authority was very contagious as those in attendance were looking toward the bright future of the agency.

“We appreciate everybody who is here today for this groundbreaking,” said FCTA Executive Director Paul Maxwell during his first official duty. “We also appreciate the support and the guidance we receive from you.”

Following the invocation by the Rev. Jesse Webb, who is also a member of the FCTA Board of Directors, former FCTA Executive Director Kenney Etherton offered comments about the significance of the day.

“This has been a longtime project coming. We’ve worked hard with it,” Etherton said. “It was about 3 ½, 4 years ago when we started this project to add on to this complex. It’s a much-needed addition. I gladly handed it over to capable hands who probably has more construction knowledge than I do anyway with Paul Maxwell.”

Recognizing Paducah Area Transit System Executive Director Arthur Boykin who was in attendance and Murray-Calloway County Transit Agency as well, Etherton said, “This is going to be a great addition to the community here, the Transit world here, and the four counties this agency serves. We have good partners in the area, and we’ve always worked together.”

Slightly pausing, Etherton said one thing he wanted to talk about was dedicating the new facility to Mr. Sam Jones, a driver who worked at FCTA for 28 years.

“Sam passed away over a year ago,” Etherton explained. “I wish I could tell you how many miles Sam drove here and how many clients he picked up. Every day I expect to see him walk through that back door and have something to say in his normal tone of voice. I never heard him get loud; he was the same whether he was mad, happy, or sad. Sam was the same every day.”

Although Jones was a many of few words, Etherton added, he would always offer straightforward observations about the world around him.

“I can honestly say and very truthfully say I can’t think of a better person who has worked here over the years to dedicate this facility to,” Etherton said. “There will be a plaque put out here with his time served here and what he did for the Transit Authority.”

Barbara McIntee, Jones’ sister, is a member of the FCTA Board of Directors, but was unable to attend Wednesday’s groundbreaking.

“His family is very honored to have this facility named for Sam,” Etherton said. “I’ll say this, too, he was one of a kind and a great guy.”

Following Etherton’s remarks several people exclaimed, “It’s time to turn the dirt!” The board members in attendance, FCTA leaders, area leaders, and others involved in the office complex construction conducted the traditional portion of the event by literally putting shovels into the ground and turning some of the construction site soil over.

Following the turning of the soil, Maxwell said, “Wow! If you look back at our very humble beginnings and where we are today, who would have thought it?”

Maxwell added that he believes FCTA’s business can be broken down into several parts.

“Number 1: We transport people. Number 2: We care about people. Number 3: We care about our employees. If it wasn’t for our employees we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Maxwell said. “And not necessarily in order, but lastly, I want to thank our board of directors. They have believed in our vision. They bought into it, and they have supported Kenney, and I know they are going to support me. We are so fortunate to have a good group like them.”

Careful to thank everyone who attended the groundbreaking, Maxwell also said, “I know it’s a ceremony. I know it’s symbolic, but I would say in the next week to 10 days you’re probably going to see some work here.”

Asking those in attendance if they had any remarks to add, FCTA Driver Mickey Brockway thanked the FCTA Board of Directors for all they have done for the agency’s employees.

“It was very nice,” Brockwell added before walking away from the microphone.