Security fence to be built around Governor’s Mansion following effigy, protests
The state is taking bids for an ornamental security fence to be built around the Governor’s Mansion.
Jill Midkiff, a spokeswoman for the state Finance and Administration Cabinet, said Tuesday it is believed that Kentucky’s Governor’s Mansion may be the only Executive Mansion in the United States that currently does not have security fencing.
The White House, the president’s residence in Washington, D.C., has had security fencing for years.
Kentucky’s security move follows a May 24 rally on the Capitol grounds at which protesters gathered on the front porch of the mansion, where Gov. Andy Beshear, his wife and their two young children live, to voice their opposition to Beshear’s restrictions to curb COVID-19.
Some approached a door and window and chanted for Beshear to come outside. He did not.
That was the same event in which there was the hanging of the governor in effigy by a small group from a tree on the Capitol grounds.
WAVE-TV in Louisville reported that the Kentucky State Police executive security requested the fence for the Beshears and future first families who live in the mansion.
Midkiff, with the Finance cabinet, said a request for bids for the installation of a security fence at the mansion was issued on July 8.
She said public documents about the fence are available on the state’s eprocurement website.
“Due to the historic nature of the mansion, the security fencing installed must maintain the integrity of the mansion’s exterior,” she said.
Midkiff said until the bids are received, the state cannot provide an estimated value of the contract.
The initial cost of the installation will be paid out of the Department for Facilities and Support Services budget, she said.
Midkiff added that the private Kentucky Executive Mansions Foundation indicates it plans to vote on possibly reimbursing the state for the expense.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 12:29 PM.
