Endangered mussel won't affect Paducah project

PADUCAH, Ky. - A new mussel on the Endangered Species List has been found in the McCracken County area, but city officials say it will not affect Paducah riverfront development.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposed adding the Rabbitsfoot mussel and the Neosho Mucket mussel to the list of protected species under the Endangered Species Act this week. Paducah City Engineer-Public Works Director Rick Murphy told The Paducah Sun construction of the Ohio River Boat Ramp, slated to start in the spring, likely will not affect the mussels.

Construction on the Ohio River Boat Ramp was delayed when studies showed a collection of nearly 550 fat pocketbook mussels in the initially planned area for the ramp. The project was moved 500 feet downstream as a result.