Beginning February 13, residents of highway District 12 will see highway workers removing signs that have illegally been placed in state rights-of-way.

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Gov. Ernie Fletcher recently appointed Marcie Matthews as the Transportation Cabinet’s State Highway Engineer: Press Release: Governor Ernie Fletcher Appoints New State Highway Engineer (Jan. 26, 2006) 

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet salt storage dome in Daviess County was struck by lightning: WPSD NewsChannel 6: Kentucky: Lightning Hits Salt Dome (June 10, 2005) 

On May 20, the state Personnel Board voted to conduct an investigation into hiring practices at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Lexington Herald-Leader: Personnel Board votes to investigate (May 21, 2005) 

Gov. Fletcher has denied having a personal role in hiring: Louisville Courier-Journal: Fletcher denies role in hirings (May 21, 2005) 

See also: Full coverage from the Louisville Courier-Journal 

The week of May 15-21 is National Transportation Week: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: National Transportation Week is Celebrated May 15 – 21 (May 17, 2005) 

Several news reports this week shed more light on the alleged violations of the state’s hiring merit system in the Transportation Cabinet under Gov. Fletcher. Douglas W. Doerting, assistant director of personnel in the cabinet, alleged in a formal complaint that the hiring decisions were made using an “illegal political patronage” system.

On Tuesday a search warrant was served on the Governor’s office.

A letter from the Federal Highway Administration detailing how the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had failed to meet its Affirmative Action goals has also surfaced. It was reported that he U.S. government might freeze $600 million in Kentucky road projects because the Transportation Cabinet hired almost no minorities in 2004: of 317 merit employees hired during that time 97% were white; however, later reports claimed there was no immediate threat of the freezing of road funds.

More information:

• Courier-Journal: Complaint alleges political patronage in Merit System (May 16, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Personnel Tinkering Allegations Prompt Weekend Standoff (May 16, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Allegations of personnel abuses prompt investigation (May 16, 2005) 
• WKYT 27 Newsfirst: AG Investigating Possible Inappropriate State Hiring Practices (May 16, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: 'Substantial' violations of merit system alleged; Stumbo: Evidence is 'a smoking gun' (May 17, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Alleged merit law violations investigated; Stumbo looking at Transportation Cabinet hiring (May 17, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Cabinet hirings are under investigation; Attorney general looks at alleged Transportation violations (May 17, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Complaint details patronage charges; Fletcher's office faces accusations (May 17, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Treasurer's nephew got a state job (May 17, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Probe targets state cabinet (May 17, 2005) 
• Cincinnati Enquirer: Murgatroyd part of probe (May 17, 2005) 
• Associated Press: AG personnel probe widens; search warrant issued on governor's office (May 17, 2005) 
• Associated Press: AG Warns Transportation Employees Against Destroying Evidence (May 17, 2005) 
• Kentucky Post: Murgatroyd facing probe (May 17, 2005) 
• Assocated Press: Search Warrants Served On Governor's Office (May 17, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Governor's outreach office handled job recommendations, e-mails show (May 18, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Complete text of the federal agency's letter to Kentucky (May 18, 2005) 
• Cincinnati Enquirer: Murgatroyd's state office searched; Gov. Fletcher also hit by patronage investigation (May 18, 2005) 
• Assoicated Press: AG personnel probe widens; search warrant issued (May 18, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Investigators search the offices of two top Fletcher aides (May 18, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Outreach office vetted job seekers (May 18, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Search warrants served on Gov. Fletcher's offices (May 18, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Fletcher aides' offices searched; Warrants seek data on personnel (May 18, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Personnel investigation may lead outside Transportation Cabinet (May 18, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Hiring inquiry widens; Washington threatens to freeze road money over affirmative action (May 18, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Emails show outreach office handled job recommendations (May 18, 2005) 
• Kentucky Post: E-mails suggest man vetted on his politics (May 18, 2005) 
• Kentucky Post: State merit jobs investigation widens (May 18, 2005) 
• WAVE 3 TV: AG Expands Probe Into State's Hiring Practices (May 18, 2005) 
• Associated Press: Personnel investigation leading outside of Transportation (May 18, 2005) 
• Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Boone Co. official named in state probe; Stanton e-mails reviewed in patronage investigation (May 19, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Office governor created helped with state hires; E-mails show LINK was funnel for jobs (May 18, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Transportation missed goal for minority hirings in 2004 (May 19, 2005) 
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Perennial issue in Frankfort bites the governor (May 19, 2005) 
• Courier-Journal: Cabinet: Personnel moves unrelated to probe (May 19, 2005) 
• Kentucky Post: Officials deny threat to freeze road funds (May 19, 2005) 

A complete record of the Courier-Journal’s coverage of the hiring investigation can be found here: Courier-Journal: Merit System Investigation 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released a press release concerning the Governor’s state-owned vehicle inspection initiative: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Ernie Fletcher’s Comprehensive State Vehicle Study Begins (May 16, 2005) 

Transportation Cabinet official Tim Henderlight set up a desk in a highway work zone in Breathitt County Friday to make his point as he discussed the need for driving safely in construction zones. Henderlight held a news conference to discuss work zone safety in Eastern Kentucky at the site of a $37 million construction project to relocate KY 15 and widen it to four lanes. Photo by H.B. Elkins, District 10 PIO.

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State government vehicles will be inspected at various places across the state this week. This is part of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s comprehensive state vehicle study

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Press Release:

Frankfort, KY (May 2, 2005)—The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has successfully completed 80% of the LED signal upgrades throughout the Commonwealth. The remaining upgrades are expected to be complete by early summer and result in projected savings of more than $3.2 million a year to taxpayers as well as improved safety at intersections.

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The state is investigating allegations that hiring in the Transportation Cabinet has been based on political affiliations instead of qualifications: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: State road department hiring probed (May 15, 2005) 

A federal appeals court recently reinstated parts of a lawsuit against the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that claims the Cabinet inappropriately classified some companies as “disadvantaged businesses”—a designation that provided those companies with special consideration in some contracts: Associated Press: Federal court reinstates lawsuit against Transportation Cabinet (May 12, 2005) 

A recent report on change orders issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet determined that no intentional misuse has taken place; however, new controls on change orders have been placed.

A change order allows for payment in excess of the contract originally approved for a project; change orders are used to pay for unforeseeable events that occur during the completion of a project.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Questionable change orders to state highway contracts put millions into road builders’ pockets, according to report (May 6, 2005) , Louisville Courier-Journal: Study says contractor influence raised cost; Kentucky finds no evidence of criminal wrongdoing (May 7, 2005) , Associated Press: Contractor influence cited in costly change orders (May 7, 2005) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Change orders criticized in report (May 7, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration held a “freight summit” in Frankfort last week to discuss issues related to the conveyance of freight, both locally and globally.

More information: Business First of Louisville: Transportation Cabinet to hold first freight summit (May 6, 2005) 

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating the use of change orders on highway projects in Kentucky. Change orders are used in the event that a contractor finds their expenses exceed the amount they originally bid for a project. Change orders are a necessary part of highway construction, but their use might also leave the state open to bid rigging and fraud.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Ky. cabinet under U.S. scrutiny; Change orders at hub of transportation inquiry (April 1, 2005) , Courier-Journal: Transportation Cabinet ignored rules, audit says; Change orders for road work involved (March 31, 2005) 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey resigned Monday to become head of the Kentucky Department of Emergency Management. The retired Air Force general was appointed as head of the transportation cabinet by Gov. Ernie Fletcher in December 2003.

Bailey will be replaced by Bill Nighbert on an interim basis.

More information: Courier-Journal: Transportation secretary quits to take new post (March 22, 2005) 

A bill that would allow the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to replace the state’s license plate whenever it sees fit was approved by the House Transportation Committee this week. Currently law stipulates that the state’s license plates be replaced every five years. Since the current license plates featuring a smiling sun were introduced in 2003, they are currently scheduled for replacement in 2008.

More information: Associated Press: House panel votes to get rid of smiley plate (Feb. 17, 2005) , WKYT: "Smiley Face" Plate Could Be Phased Out (Feb. 18, 2005) 

In January, Gov. Fletcher announced the early release of $33 million in state road maintenance funds to city and county road agencies: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Fletcher announces early release of $33 million in County Road Aid and Municipal Road Aid funds; Money given out early to help local governments hit by snow storms, flooding (Jan. 26, 2005) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s “Patch It” hotline is up and running at 1-800-PATCH-IT (1-800-728-2448). Motorists can use this number to report pot holes or other problems on any state maintained highway. Callers to the hotline should be ready to describe the pothole’s location, including the number of the highway and either a mile marker or landmark near the location of the pothole. Formerly, the hotline was only available during the pothole season—February 1 to May 1; however, the cabinet will now operate the line year round.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s “Patch it” toll free line up and running (Jan. 20, 2005) , Associated Press: Transportation Cabinet Opens Pothole Hotline (Jan. 20, 2005) 

Gov. Ernie Fletcher recently appointed former CSX Louisville Vice President Jim Adams as Chief of Staff at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor appoints Louisville businessman to new position in Transportation (Jan. 10, 2005) , Business First of Louisville: Former CSX official joins Transportation Cabinet (Jan. 11, 2005) 

The state’s new “Unbridled Spirit” logo is now appearing on new driver’s licenses. The new driver’s licenses look the same as the old licenses, except the old Kentucky logo in the upper left hand corner of the card is replaced with the new logo.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentuckians can now see "Unbridled Spirit" in their wallets (Jan. 11, 2005) 

Work to remove snow and ice from state roadways after the pre-Christmas winter storm cost the state $7.1 million: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Record-Breaking Winter Storm Costs State $7.1 Million (Dec. 30, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sent their thanks to the Kentucky National Guard for helping respond to the pre-Christmas winter storm: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says "Thanks" to Kentucky National Guard (Dec. 29, 2004) 

The Henderson Gleaner reports that the 511 traffic information system fails to provide information about the hazardous conditions in the Henderson area: Henderson Gleaner: Road hotline fails this area (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The interstates are open, but many secondary roads are impassible in Northern Kentucky: (Covington) Kentucky Post: Paralyzing storm shuts down travel (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Road clearing was suspended overnight in parts of Western Kentucky due to blizzard like conditions, and four stopped tractor trailers blocked traffic on I-71 in Gallatin County: Associated Press: Parts of Kentucky at near standstill (Dec. 23, 2004) 

A series of traffic accidents has caused long delays on I-24 in Western Kentucky. Motorists are asked not to call emergency services unless they are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance: Associated Press: Wrecks tie up Interstate 24 (Dec. 23, 2004) 

Forty members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated overnight and used military tow trucks and Humvees to rescue stranded motorists. Some cars stopped along I-24 due to accidents were caught in snow drifts: Courier-Journal: Storm limits transportation options (Dec. 23, 2004) 

More information: WAVE 3: Winter Storm Coats Much Of Kentucky With Snow, Ice (Dec. 23, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentucky is wet and cold (Dec. 23, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posts regularly updated traffic advisories to www.511.ky.gov . You can also obtain Kentucky traffic information by calling 1-800-RDREPORT or by dialing 511 from any cell phone.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began preparing for winter weather long before today’s winter storm. The cabinet’s Division of Highway has established a three tiered system for removing snow and ice from the state’s highways. Priority A routes—which include the state’s interstates, parkways, and major corridors—will be cleared first. After the Priority A routes are all cleared, work will move to the Priority B routes—important secondary routes. And finally all remaining state roads—Priority C routes—will be cleared.

The transportation cabinet has produced maps showing the snow and ice removal priority of state highways .

Up-to-date travel information for the state’s highways can be found at www.511.ky.gov . You can also dial 511 from any cell phone to obtain road condition information.

It is up to local municipalities to remove snow from city and county streets and roads.

More information: (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era: Highway officials prepare for snow (Dec. 11, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Snow & Ice Team Is Ready for Winter Weather (Dec. 13, 2004) , KYTC Division of Highways District 12: State highway workers in District 12 ready for winter weather, snow and ice removal (Dec. 13, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: First snowfall is a deadly one (Dec. 14, 2004) , Associated Press: Road crews prepare to fight snow (Dec. 16, 2004) , Associated Press: Below-zero cold blast drops 4 inches of snow (Dec. 21, 2004) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Winter Driving Safety (Dec. 21, 2004)

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Governor Fletcher’s new pick for State Highway Engineer, Sam Beverage, failed to report a month-long job for a contractor on a state job application: Cincinnati Enquirer: State official didn't list job with contractor (Dec. 21, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appointee in Highway Dept. didn't list contractor job (Dec. 21, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Official didn't list job with contractor (Dec. 21, 2004) 

The Union County Advocate printed this editorial written by Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey: Union County Advocate: Cleaning Up State Government (Dec. 15, 2004) 

Today, Gov. Ernie Fletcher appointed Sam Beverage, PE as State Highway Engineer. The State Highway Engineer works with the Commissioner of Highways to administer the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the more than 27,000 miles of state maintained roads in Kentucky. Beverage has previously served the transportation cabinet as Chief District Engineer for District 6, District 10, and District 11. Earlier this year, Gov. Fletcher appointed Beverage as Chief District Engineer for both Districts 10 and 11. Beverage also previously served as Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Beverage will replace J.M. “Mac” Yowell. Since becoming State Highway Engineer in 1992, Yowell has served under three governors: Jones, Patton, and Fletcher. At twelve years, he was the longest serving state highway engineer in the nation. Yowell will continue to serve the cabinet in the capacity of an executive advisor.

Among the transportation cabinet’s accomplishments during Yowell’s tenure was the completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Yowell was a driving force behind the completion of that project.

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The October 2004 and the 2004 Year-in-Review editions of the transportation cabinet’s newsletter have been posted to the KYTC Konnection page .

Among stories covered in the October 2004 edition are:

• The SAFE program that aids broken down motorists.
• Information about a KYTC employee’s trip to Russia to participate in an engineering exchange program.
• Coverage of the installation of new “Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Emergency Vehicle” signs.
• Coverage of ceremonial beginning of the Kennedy Bridge repainting project.
• A story about KYTC employees rescuing a cat from an Ohio River bridge.
• Information about the opening of a reconstructed segment of US 421 in Harlan County.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – October 2004] (2.51 MB)

Among stories covered in the 2004 Year-in-Review edition are:

• Information and photographs of work on I-66 in Pulaski County.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – 2004 Year-in-Review] (2.32 MB)

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds holiday party goers: If "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." 

Gov. Fletcher claims to have saved $70 million through efficiency improvements in the transportation cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Ernie Fletcher Announces Significant Efficiency Improvement in The Transportation Cabinet Saving Taxpayers More Than $70 Million (Dec. 2, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher Touts Savings In Transportation Cabinet (Dec. 2, 2004) 

Transportation authorities across Kentucky have been replacing the incandescent halogen bulbs in stop lights with energy saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. In addition to saving energy, the LED bulbs require less maintenance. LED technology has been around for decades; however, only recently have LED prices fallen to such a level where it became cost effective to them in traffic lights.

More information: Courier-Journal: LED traffic signals save money (Nov. 29, 2004) 

(Updated Dec. 22) More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Signals are Being Installed in Kentucky to Reduce Cost and Improve Efficiency (Dec. 21, 2004) 

Transportation officials deemed the “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” week to be a success. Fewer people died on Kentucky’s highways between Oct. 4-11 2004 than during the same period in 2003: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: "Put the Brakes on Fatalities in Kentucky" week deemed a success (Oct. 22, 2004) 

The September 2004 edition of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s newsletter, the Transportation Konnection, has been posted to the KYTC’s web site .

Interesting items in September’s Konnection are:

• Information about “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” day,
• Information about another award for the Paris Pike Project,
• Information about photograph of the ground breaking for Ken Bale Boulevard in Bowling Green,
• Photographs of the reconstruction interchange between the Western Kentucky Parkway and KY 259 near Leitchfield, and
• Photographs from the Simon Kenton Bridge rededication ceremony.

Download: [Transportation Konnection – September 2004] (2MB)

• September 13: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Information about the Kentucky Aviation Conference (Sept. 13, 2004) 
  
  
• September 13: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Information about the Adopt-a-Highway Program (Sept. 13, 2004) 
  
  
• September 15: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Highway Safety Management Executive Committee formed (Sept. 15, 2004) 
  
  
• September 23: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: David Ray appointed Executive Director of the Office of Inspector Genera (Sept. 23, 2004) 
  
  
• September 28: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: "Put the Brakes on Fatalities in Kentucky Week" Announced (Sept. 29, 2004) 
  
  
• September 29: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Federal Highway Administration Provides Funding for the Women-In-Construction On-the-Job Training Program (Sept. 30, 2004) 
  
  
• October 4: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Week of October 4-11 “Put the Brakes on Fatalities in Kentucky Week” (Oct. 4, 2004) 
  
  
• October 9: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Bridge Inspection turns into "animal rescue" for KYTC workers (Oct. 8, 2004) 

• Paul Steely has been appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Aviation: (more information )
  
  
• Roy Mundy has been appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation: (more information )
  
  
• James R. "Jim" Wood and Russell F. Brannon have appointed to the Transportation Cabinet's Office of Legal Services: (more information )
  
  
• The cabinet saved $23 million in Fiscal Year 2004 through improved efficiency: (more information )

• A section of the Blue Grass Parkway was temporarily closed in early July due to a chemical spill: WKYT: Bluegrass Parkway Reopened Following Chemical Spill (July 12, 2004) , Associated Press: Accident closes part of Bluegrass Parkway (July 13, 2004) 
• The I-64 Sherman Minton over the Ohio River was temporarily closed in early August after being struck by a barge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-64 bridge closed after being hit by barge (Aug. 8, 2004) 
• Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey gave Associated Press reporter Joe Biesk a guided tour of the Transportation Cabinet’s new headquarters: Bailey relies on military experience as transportation secretary (July 12, 2004) 
• Work continues at the US 41/US 60 interchange in Henderson: The Henderson Gleaner: Another bypass ramp closing (July 13, 2004) 
• The first phase of construction has begun an Oldham County recreation trail. The trail is being constructed on an abandoned railroad right-of-way: Courier-Journal: First phase of construction begins on Oldham walking trail (July 13, 2004) 
• Butler County officials have voted to close Aberdeen Church Road. The road was used by some residents who felt a nearby intersection of KY 79 was unsafe; however, accident data shows that the interchange is not unsafe and Butler County leaders believe the road to be closed is more dangerous: Bowling Green Daily News: Butler says road too dangerous to stay open (July 13, 2004) 
• Several projects in Pulaski County are nearing completion: WYMT Mountain News: Millions Of Dollars Are Being Spent in Road Projects in Southern KY (July 14, 2004) 
• The lack of a state budge could cause delays to a number of road projects statewide: Bowling Green Daily News: Budget: Projects may be delayed (July 14, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Several area highway projects delayed (July 25, 2004) , Danville Advocate-Messenger: Kentucky's road projects taking bumpy path (July 26, 2004) , Kentucky Post: Stalled budget may stall road projects (July 26, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Western Kentucky road projects facing delays (Aug. 2, 2004) , Evansville Courier-Press: Lawmakers expect widening of U.S. 641 to proceed, despite budget impasse (Aug. 16, 2004) 
• Impact studies related to a project to reconstruct US 31E in Bullitt, Spencer, and Nelson Counties is behind schedule: Kentucky Standard: State's U.S. 31E project behind schedule (July 14, 2004) 
• A hearing regarding Convington’s citation of CSX for allowing a railroad overpass to deteriorate was delayed so CSX could prepare a defense: Kentucky Post: Hearing on rail bridge delayed (July 15, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington wants CSX bridge fixed (July 29, 2004) 
• A resident of Oldham County is backing a campaign to rename the KY 329 Pewee Valley bypass in honor of veterans: Courier-Journal: Oldham bypass is step closer to honoring war veterans (July 16, 2004) , Oldham Era: Legion receives local support to rename bypass (July 30, 2004) 
• A new book on scenic drives will feature Powell County’s Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway among the country’s fifteen best scenic drives: Courier-Journal: Book salutes E. Kentucky scenic route (July 23, 2004) 
• The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss the possible impact of a project to reconstruction KY 55 near the Nelson and Spencer County line: Kentucky Standard: KTC meets with citizens about KY 55 project (July 23, 2004) 
• A $1 million study of I-471 suggests reconstruction of the I-471/I-275 interchange and construction of ramps at the Ohio River bridge: Cincinnati Enquirer: I-471 study to include new ramps at each end (July 28, 2004) 

Kentucky’s statewide highway information line which can be reached by calling 511 from anywhere in the state has received its millionth call. The service began in November 2003 and currently receives an average of 80,000 calls per month.

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky’s 511 Traffic and Travel Line Receives Millionth Call (July 9, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed chief highway engineers for nine of the Division of Highways' twelve districts.

• Edward “Ted” Merryman has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 1 and 2. Previously, Merryman was chief highway engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information ]
• Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information ]
• David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information ]
• Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information ]
• Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information ]
• Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information ]

More information: WKYT: Gov. Fletcher Hires New Highway Engineers (June 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Fletcher appoints top highway engineers (June 30, 2004) , Hardin County News-Enterprise: Highway engineer appointed in E'town (June 30, 2004) , Maysville Ledger-Independent: New KTC Engineer Sees District as Unique (July 2, 2004) 

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey recently told the Ashland Rotary Club that he wants new road projects to encourage economic development: Ashland Daily Independent: Road projects tied to economic development (June 29, 2004) 

Mike Goins has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Office of Public Affairs for the Transportation Cabinet. Goins, a native of Cumberland, has previously worked for the Ashland Alliance and in television news for WSAZ-TV in Huntington, WV and WYMT-TV in Hazard.

More information: Office of Gov. Fletcher: Office of the Governor Announces Transportation Cabinet Executive Director of the Office of Public Affairs (June 24, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet recently showed off its news “war room” to the media. The room in the cabinet’s new Frankfort offices allow officials to monitor road conditions around the state—including live video from Louisville, Northern Kentucky, and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel: Courier-Journal: High-tech operations center will aid emergency response (June 22, 2004) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation base gets high-tech upgrade (June 22, 2004) 

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Clay Bailey says the cabinet is turning around after several scandals over the past few years: Courier-Journal: Agency turning around, transportation chief says (June 21, 2004) , Associated Press: AP Interview: New Transportation secretary relies on military background in new job (June 21, 2004) 

Evans "E-V" Hilton, an engineer who contributed to many of the state’s highways projects, has died at the age of 85. Hilton worked for the Transportation Cabinet for forty-one years under eleven governors. He played a role in the design of many of the states interstates, parkways, and other major roads.

More information: WKYT: Engineer Of Major State Roads Dies (June 16, 2004) 

Gov. Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bailey have appointed Barry Sanders to serve as chief district engineer for the Transportation Cabinet’s District 5 which is based in Louisville.

More information: KYTC: Governor Ernie Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Clay Bailey Appoint Chief District Engineer for Highway District 5 in Louisville (June 1, 2004) , Business First: State Names Head of Louisville-area Transportation Operation (June 1, 2004) 

A report from the Transportation Cabinet Inspector General reveals that forty-give cabinet computers were used to view pornography. The investigation lead to the firing of two employees, twenty-one resignations or retirements, and twenty-three disciplinary actions.

More information: Courier-Journal: Report documents porn viewed by state workers (May 29, 2004) , Associated Press: Probe finds 45 state computers that were used to view porn (May 29, 2004) 

The Courier-Journal reports that 43 transportation cabinet employees have been fired or suspended for viewing pornography on state computers: Courier-Journal: Kentucky punishes workers over porn (May 22, 2004) 

Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky leaders continue to lobby for the replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge: Kentucky Post: Bridge replacement touted as national priority (April 22, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Plea made for new I-75 bridge (April 23, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan calls for $15M (April 29, 2004) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Voinovich wants $15M for bridge (April 30, 2004) 

No state budget was passed, so there is no state road plan: Franklin Favorite: Area legislators predict state will have a budget (April 22, 2004) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: No budget means no road plan (April 25, 2004) 

Jim Reis recognizes the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for its work in securing money to replace the Shortway Bridge: Kentucky Post: A century of boosting business (April 26, 2004) 

Meetings on I-71 widening in Jefferson County bring a variety of opinions: Courier-Journal: Meetings on I-71 plans draw strong opinions (April 28, 2004) 

The Governor has signed a bill to expand the authority of the Buffalo Trace covered bridge authority: Maysville Ledger Independent: Denham sponsored bills signed by governor (April 28, 2004)  Public meetings must now be held before the state does any work to the area’s covered bridges.

A project to widen US 231 in Indiana from the Natcher Bridge to I-64 has begun: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Project to 4-lane U.S. 231 begins (April 29, 2004)  The first five mile segment should be complete in 2 years.

P rospect residents are worried about an intersection on US 42: Oldham Era: Prospect residents seek help with U.S. 42 intersection (April 30, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting to discuss a new I-65 connector in northern Warren County: Bowling Green Daily News: Road options for transpark shown (April 30, 2004) 

The Transportation Cabinet was recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for its work in protecting the Eggbert’s Sunflower: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Protects Endangered Eggert's Sunflower (May 3, 2004) 

Repairs were made to I-65 near mile marker 30 to correct a drainage problem: Bowling Green Daily News: Dangerous I-65 spot seeing changes (May 6, 2004) , Bowling Green Daily News: Speedy repairs on interstate are appreciated (May 8, 2004) 

The new US 23 over the Ohio River at South Shore is running “woefully behind:” Ashland Daily Independent: ODOT - Bridge project 'woefully behind' (May 13, 2004)  The new U.S. Grant Bridge is scheduled to open in 2005.

The online version of the 2004 Official Highway Map has been released: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Official Highway Map .

As part of a continuing project to recognize the birthplaces of Kentucky’s musicians signs have recently been erected honoring Ray Goins  and Curley Ray Cline . (Update (Apr. 24): WKYT: Bluegrass Fiddler Honored (Apr. 23, 2004) )

A ceremony has held recently to dedicate the Helen Brown Bridge . Helen Brown was influential in having the Pikeville area bridge built.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports on road projects planned for Warren and surrounding counties: Bowling Green Daily News: Transportation budget on track (April 5, 2004) 

Environmental groups oppose the Louisville Bridges Project, I-66, and other expedited projects: Courier-Journal: Environmental groups critical of bridges project (Apr. 9, 2004) 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds motorists to brake for construction workers .

Kentucky’s State Highway Engineer, James M. “Mac” Yowell, has been inducted to the University of Kentucky’s Engineering Hall of Distinction.