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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

This is not the official web site of the transportation cabinet: it is an unofficial log of information relating to the cabinet. Please see www.kytc.state.ky.us [Outside Link] for the cabinet’s web site.

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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet News Items

[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Recession Impacts State's Road Fund
Posted: 30-Dec-2009 9:28PM CST

Tax revenue for the state's road fund fell 5.6% for fiscal year 2009, but it is expected to remain steady for fiscal year 2010: Louisville Courier-Journal: Recession impacts Kentucky's Road Fund (Dec. 24, 2009) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Twitter
Posted: 16-Sep-2009 7:36AM CDT

From the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Public Affairs (Sept. 14, 2009):

‘511’ roadway updates now available through Twitter
511 reports road closures, delays, construction
FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet now offers 511 traffic information through Twitter. This feature provides the latest road closures, delays, construction areas, vehicle crashes and other roadway incidents.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC General Counsel Resigns
Posted: 4-Apr-2009 7:29AM CDT

The general counsel for the Transportation Cabinet submitted a one sentence letter of resignation this week: Louisville Courier-Journal: Transportation Cabinet general counsel quits (April 4, 2009) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Bid Rigging Charges Revised
Posted: 12-Feb-2009 7:15AM CST

Indictments against former Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert and highway contractor Leonard Lawson have been revised. The indictments stem from payments Lawson allegedly made to Nighbert and Dept. of Highways District 7 Chief Engineer Jim Rummage in order to receive confidential information regarding open highway construction bids.

More information: Louisville Courier-Journal: Highway bid-rig charges revised; Rejected indictment has been rephrased (Feb. 12, 2009) [Outside Link], Associated Press: 2 charges dismissed in bid-rigging case (Feb. 11, 2009 [Outside Link], Associated Press: New indictment issued in bid-rigging case (Feb. 11, 2009) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
District 12 Employees Remove Illegally Placed Signs
Posted: 5-Feb-2006 3:28AM CST

Illegally placed signs removed from state highway rights-of-way in Knott County.

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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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Marcie Matthews Appointed State Highway Engineer
Posted: 5-Feb-2006 2:30AM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Salt Storage Dome Struck by Lightning
Posted: 1-Jul-2005 3:49AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Hiring Inquiry
Posted: 1-Jul-2005 3:44AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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

See also: Full coverage from the Louisville Courier-Journal [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
May 15-21 is National Transportation Week
Posted: 20-May-2005 1:18AM CDT

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
More on Alleged Violations of Hiring Practices
Posted: 20-May-2005 1:14AM CDT

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:

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
More on State Vehicle Study
Posted: 20-May-2005 1:14AM CDT

[State Vehicle Inspection] 

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Drivers Urged to Use Caution in Work Zones
Posted: 16-May-2005 4:33AM CDT

[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.]

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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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
State Government Vehicle Inspections to Take Place This Week
Posted: 16-May-2005 4:05AM CDT

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Nearing Completion of LED Signal Upgrades
Posted: 16-May-2005 3:46AM CDT

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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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Hiring Practices Probed
Posted: 16-May-2005 12:04AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Federal Court Reinstates Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Lawsuit
Posted: 16-May-2005 12:03AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Questionable Change Orders Funneled Millions of Additional Dollars to Road Contractors
Posted: 16-May-2005 12:03AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Louisville Courier-Journal: Study says contractor influence raised cost; Kentucky finds no evidence of criminal wrongdoing (May 7, 2005) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Contractor influence cited in costly change orders (May 7, 2005) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: Change orders criticized in report (May 7, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Freight Summit Held
Posted: 16-May-2005 12:02AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
U.S. Department of Transportation Investigating Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Change Order Policy
Posted: 1-Apr-2005 3:32PM CST

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) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Transportation Cabinet ignored rules, audit says; Change orders for road work involved (March 31, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Resigns to Take New Post
Posted: 1-Apr-2005 3:51AM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Kentucky's New License Plate]
Anti-Smiley Bill Passes Committee
Posted: 21-Feb-2005 5:27AM CST

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) [Outside Link], WKYT: "Smiley Face" Plate Could Be Phased Out (Feb. 18, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Governor Releases Road Funds Early
Posted: 7-Feb-2005 2:14AM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet’s “Patch It” Hotline Up and Running
Posted: 7-Feb-2005 2:04AM CST

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) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Transportation Cabinet Opens Pothole Hotline (Jan. 20, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Former CSX Official Appointed as Transportation Cabinet Chief of Staff
Posted: 19-Jan-2005 2:49AM CST

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) [Outside Link], Business First of Louisville: Former CSX official joins Transportation Cabinet (Jan. 11, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Kentucky's New License Plate]
“Unbridled Spirit” Logo Makes Its Way onto Driver’s Licenses
Posted: 19-Jan-2005 2:48AM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Winter Storm Snow/Ice Removal Cost State $7.1 Million
Posted: 10-Jan-2005 5:17PM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Thanks National Guard for Winter Storm Help
Posted: 10-Jan-2005 5:16PM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[I-24]
Winter Storm Blasts Kentucky’s Roadways
Posted: 23-Dec-2004 6:28PM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Highway Crews Prepare for Winter Weather
Posted: 22-Dec-2004 9:17PM CST

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 [Outside Link].

Up-to-date travel information for the state’s highways can be found at www.511.ky.gov [Outside Link]. 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) [Outside Link], Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Snow & Ice Team Is Ready for Winter Weather (Dec. 13, 2004) [Outside Link], KYTC Division of Highways District 12: State highway workers in District 12 ready for winter weather, snow and ice removal (Dec. 13, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: First snowfall is a deadly one (Dec. 14, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Road crews prepare to fight snow (Dec. 16, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Below-zero cold blast drops 4 inches of snow (Dec. 21, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Winter Driving Safety (Dec. 21, 2004)

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Beverage Did Not Report Job with Contractor
Posted: 22-Dec-2004 9:06PM CST

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) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Fletcher appointee in Highway Dept. didn't list contractor job (Dec. 21, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Official didn't list job with contractor (Dec. 21, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
“Cleaning up State Government”
Posted: 22-Dec-2004 9:05PM CST

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Beverage Replaces Yowell as State Highway Engineer
Posted: 11-Dec-2004 12:21AM CST

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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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
October and Year-End Transportation Konnection Newsletters
Posted: 11-Dec-2004 12:20AM CST

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

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)

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Reminds: If You Drink and Drive, You Lose
Posted: 11-Dec-2004 12:17AM CST

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Governor Touts Money Saved Through Transportation Cabinet Efficiency
Posted: 5-Dec-2004 8:14PM CST

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) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Fletcher Touts Savings In Transportation Cabinet (Dec. 2, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
LED Traffic Lights Take Hold in Kentucky
Posted: 5-Dec-2004 8:11PM CST

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) [Outside Link]

(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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
“Put the Brakes on Fatalities” Week Deemed a Success
Posted: 28-Oct-2004 1:56AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
September Transportation Konnection
Posted: 17-Oct-2004 8:29AM CDT

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

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)

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Recent KYTC Press Releases
Posted: 15-Oct-2004 3:58AM CDT
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet News Notes
Posted: 6-Sep-2004 8:56PM CDT
  • Paul Steely has been appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Aviation: (more information [Outside Link])

  • Roy Mundy has been appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation: (more information [Outside Link])

  • James R. "Jim" Wood and Russell F. Brannon have appointed to the Transportation Cabinet's Office of Legal Services: (more information [Outside Link])

  • The cabinet saved $23 million in Fiscal Year 2004 through improved efficiency: (more information [Outside Link])
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
News Notes
Posted: 20-Aug-2004 5:32AM CDT
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
State’s Statewide Highway Information Line Receives Millionth Call
Posted: 12-Jul-2004 12:16AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Chief Highway Engineers Appointed in Nine Districts
Posted: 30-Jun-2004 1:07AM CDT
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [73 topics related to this item]

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 [Outside Link]]
  • Greg Meredith has been reappointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 2. [more information [Outside Link]]
  • Gary M. Raymer, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 4. [more information [Outside Link]]
  • David Jones, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 6. [more information [Outside Link]]
  • Jim Rummage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 7. [more information [Outside Link]]
  • Katrina O. Bradley, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for district 9. [more information [Outside Link]]
  • Samuel H. Beverage, P.E. has been appointed as Chief Highway Engineer for districts 10 and 11. [ more information [Outside Link]]

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Secretary Bailey Sees New Roads as a Means to Encourage Economic Development
Posted: 30-Jun-2004 12:10AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Mike Goins Appointed as Transportation Cabinet Public Affairs Director
Posted: 30-Jun-2004 12:07AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Shows Off Its New “War Room”
Posted: 24-Jun-2004 1:36AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation base gets high-tech upgrade (June 22, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Secretary Bailey Says Cabinet is Turning Around
Posted: 24-Jun-2004 1:35AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Associated Press: AP Interview: New Transportation secretary relies on military background in new job (June 21, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Man Who Engineered of Many of Kentucky’s Roads has Died
Posted: 24-Jun-2004 1:34AM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
New Chief Engineer Appointed to Louisville Highway District
Posted: 23-Jun-2004 7:56AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Business First: State Names Head of Louisville-area Transportation Operation (June 1, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
45 Transportation Cabinet Computers used to View Pornography
Posted: 1-Jun-2004 6:53AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Probe finds 45 state computers that were used to view porn (May 29, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
43 Fired or Suspended After Porn Probe
Posted: 24-May-2004 5:39PM CDT

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) [Outside Link]

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[I-71] [I-75]
News Notes
Posted: 18-May-2004 3:38AM CDT

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) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Plea made for new I-75 bridge (April 23, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Bridge plan calls for $15M (April 29, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Voinovich wants $15M for bridge (April 30, 2004) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link], Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: No budget means no road plan (April 25, 2004) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link] 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) [Outside Link] 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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link], Bowling Green Daily News: Speedy repairs on interstate are appreciated (May 8, 2004) [Outside Link]

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) [Outside Link] The new U.S. Grant Bridge is scheduled to open in 2005.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
2004 Official Highway Map Released
Posted: 21-Apr-2004 5:06AM CDT

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Quickies: Honoring Native Musicians, Warren County Area Projects, Environmentalists Against Expedited Projects
Posted: 21-Apr-2004 5:05AM CDT

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

A ceremony has held recently to dedicate the Helen Brown Bridge [Outside Link]. 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) [Outside Link]

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

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds motorists to brake for construction workers [Outside Link].

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

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Former Television News Executive Will Head Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Public Affairs; Information about Adopt-a-Highway and New Building
Posted: 29-Mar-2004 12:17AM CST

“Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed a former television news executive, Doug Hogan, as Executive Director of the Office of Public Affairs in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.”

More information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Fletcher Selects Former Television News Executive (March 12, 2004) [Outside Link]

Other recent Transportation Cabinet news releases include information about the Adopt-a-Highway Program [Outside Link] and information about the dedication of the new transportation building [Outside Link].

Several photographs of the new building have been posted here [Outside Link] and here [Outside Link].

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[KY 234]
Cemetery Road Contractor Honored
Posted: 29-Mar-2004 12:16AM CST

American Engineers, Inc. of Glasgow was recently honored by American Consulting Engineers Council for their work on Cemetery Road widening project in Warren County. They shared the award with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the City of Bowling Green.

More information: Glasgow Daily Times: American Engineers honored for design work (March 20, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Eighty-four Years of State Highways in Kentucky
Posted: 29-Mar-2004 12:13AM CST

March 16 marked the 84th anniversary of the passing of a bill establishing a Department of State Roads and Highways. The legislature tasked the new department with creating a system of state primary highways with at least one main route in each county. The Legislative Research Commission page linked below includes a photograph of a road crew working in Lee County sometime around 1930.

More information: Moments in Kentucky Legislative History: State Highways [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Fifteen Projects Moved from Six-Year Plan to “Unscheduled Needs” List
Posted: 11-Mar-2004 2:18AM CST
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [26 topics related to this item]

When the 2004 Recommended Six-Year Highway Plan was released Transportation Cabinet Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey assured legislators that no projects had been removed the 2002 Six-Year Plan; however, the Courier-Journal has found that fifteen projects scheduled under the 2002 plan were moved to the unscheduled needs list in the new 2004 plan.

More information: Courier-Journal: 15 projects cut from road plan (March 3, 2004) [Outside Link], WKYT: 15 Kentucky Road Projects Cut Due To Budget Crisis (March 4, 2004) [Outside Link], Hardin County News Enterprise: State drops I-65 widening (March 5, 2004) [Outside Link]

[Read Full Text]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
National Work Zone Memorial Comes to Frankfort
Posted: 11-Mar-2004 2:07AM CST

A traveling memorial to those who have lost their lives in highway work zones is at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet building in Frankfort this week: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: National Work Zone Memorial Comes To Frankfort (March 5, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Work Zone Safety Message Comes Straight From The Heart (March 9, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Leader Hopes Tax Reforms Will Raise Money for Road Projects
Posted: 29-Feb-2004 9:41AM CST

Speaking to the House Transportation Committee, Deputy Secretary Dick Murgatroyd said this week that the transportation cabinet needs more revenue in order to fund all of the projects in the current six year plan. Funding options which have been discussed include a 1333% increased in the cigarette tax (from 3 cents to 40 cents) or an increase in the state gasoline tax. Of ten bordering and nearby states, Kentucky has the lowest gasoline tax at 16.4-cents per gallon.

At a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday, Gov. Fletcher refused to comment on proposed tax plans.

More information: Kentucky Post: Road money sought in tax overhaul (Feb. 26, 2005) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Lexington-area Civil Engineer Named State Highway Commissioner
Posted: 26-Feb-2004 11:50PM CST

The vice-president of the Lexington branch of the multi-state engineering firm Wilber Smith Associates has been named State Highway Commissioner. Marc D. Williams will head the transportation cabinet’s Division of Highways. Williams is a native of Texas and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University. He has been responsible for a number projects across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

Records show that Wilber Smith Associates was awarded nearly $1 million in state contracts last year. Williams donated $1,250 to the Fletcher gubernatorial campaign.

Under the Patton administration, the State Highway Commissioner Post was held by the then-Transportation Cabinet Secretary James C. Codell III.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Lexington civil engineer named highways chief (Feb. 26, 2004) [Outside Link], Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Civil engineer named highway commissioner (Feb. 26, 2004) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Lexington engineer named chief of highways (Feb. 26, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Mar. 10, 2004): Official press release: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Governor Ernie Fletcher Appoints Marc Williams Commissioner Of Highways (Feb. 25, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
No Projects Cut from Six Year Road Plan, but Some Are Delayed
Posted: 20-Feb-2004 7:35AM CST
Topics: Topic listing supressed. [38 topics related to this item]

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bailey told state legislators on Wednesday that no projects were cut from this year's version of the Six Year Highway plan; however, some projects have delayed due to the states budget problems.

The list of projects is too long to list here; however, some notable projects are listed below.

  • $118 million for the Louisville-Southern Indiana Bridges Project. Some of this money will be raised by selling bonds that would be repaid when promised federal funding is allocated for the project.
  • $78 million for reconstruction of the Owensboro bypass to the east of its current alignment. This is meant to improve access to the William H. Natcher Bridge.
  • Widening of I-64 from Louisville to Shelbyville.
  • Widening of I-65 from the Tennessee State Line to Bowling Green.
  • Widening of I-75 in Scott and Grant counties.
  • Southern extensions of both the Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway and the William H. Natcher Parwkay.

A notable absence from the list is funding for replacing the I-71/I-75 Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River; however, the project remains on the unscheduled needs list and officials claim that it is still a priority. Construction on the project is still over a decade away.

This year the transportation cabinet has split the list into projects that will receive federal funding and projects that will not receive federal funding. Projects that will be funded only by the state are expected to be delayed and will be prioritized by need.

Update (Feb. 29, 2004): More information about projects in particular areas can be found here.

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[Kentucky's New License Plate]
A Look at the Personalized Plate Taboo List
Posted: 20-Feb-2004 7:33AM CST

An article in Monday.s issue of the Courier-Journal took a look at the process of how the content of personalized plate requests are reviewed: Courier-Journal: Some license plate requests judged 2 NASTY 4 KY (Feb. 16, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Bill to Increase Transportation Cabinet Oversight Passes State Senate
Posted: 20-Feb-2004 7:32AM CST

The state senate has unanimously passed a bill that would increase the legislative oversight of the transportation cabinet.

More information: Associated Press: Developments in the Kentucky General Assembly (Feb. 13, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Senate passes bill for oversight of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 19, 2004) [Outside Link], Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: Text and Status of 2004 Regular Session Senate Bill 2 [Outside Link]

Update: More information: Associated Press: Transportation Cabinet oversight bill passed (Feb. 20, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
2005-2010 Six Year Highway Plan Released
Posted: 19-Feb-2004 6:19PM CST

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has released the new Six Year Highway Plan. The plan lists all highway projects expected to receive funding between 2004 and 2010. The plan must now be reviewed and amended by the General Assembly. The plan can be viewed here: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: 2005-2010 Recommended Six-Year Highway Plan [Outside Link].

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Not Cutting Funds to Counties
Posted: 13-Feb-2004 9:42AM CST

The Transportation Cabinet will begin providing funds to county road agencies using a new formula. Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter feared that this new formula might result in a $200,000 cut to his county's road funds; however, the state says that it will still be paying the same amount. The new plan will spread the funds out over the course of the fiscal year, instead of the lump sum payments used previously.

More information: Ashland Daily-Independent: No cuts in road funds, state says (Feb. 12, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 20, 2004): More information concerning the reaction of Casey County: Danville Advocate Messenger: Casey accepts state road maintenance plan (Feb. 17, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Bill for More Transportation Cabinet Oversight Progressing through General Assembly
Posted: 13-Feb-2004 9:42AM CST

In response to the scandals that plagued the transportation cabinet during the Patton administration, several bills have been introduced to increase the legislative oversight over the department. One such bill has been approved by a state Senate panel.

More information: Associated Press: Panel OKs bill for more oversight of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 11, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Transportation faces more monitoring (Feb. 12, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Six-Year Plan Must Still Be Considered in General Assembly
Posted: 10-Feb-2004 4:50AM CST

This year’s general assembly still has many tough tasks to undertake including the Transportation Cabinet’s Six Year Highway Plan. A recently completed report concluded that the current Six-Year Plan was overloaded to the tune of $1.8 billion.

More information: Bowling Green Daily News: Session getting tougher (Feb. 9, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 13, 2004): Despite claims the 2004 Six Year Plan would be released Wednesday, it has still yet to have been published. More information on the state budget can be found here: Messenger-Inquirer:Budget getting most of legislators' attention (Feb. 10, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
U.S. Attorney: Patton Investigation Over
Posted: 10-Feb-2004 4:50AM CST

U.S. Attorney Gregory Van Tatenhove said today that an investigation into former Gov. Patton’s involvement in having his mistress’ business approved as Disadvantage Business Enterprise is over. His former mistress, Tina Conner, was sentenced to probation today for mail fraud charges arising from the investigation.

The Disadvantage Business Enterprise program is designed to help minority owned businesses compete for transportation cabinet contract.

More information: Associated Press: U.S. attorney says investigation over (Feb. 9, 2004) [Outside Link], (Northern) Kentucky Post: Attorney: Patton will not be indicted (Feb. 9, 2004) [Outside Link], WKYT: Conner Request To Withdraw Plea Denied (Feb. 9, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Conner Asks to Withdraw Guilty Plea
Posted: 8-Feb-2004 11:28PM CST

The scandal that just won.t die: Tina Conner, the former mistress of Gov. Patton, has filed a petition to withdraw her guilty plea to charges that she committed mail fraud to have her business approved by the transportation cabinet as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.

More information: Courier-Journal: Conner Asks to Withdraw Guilty Plea (Feb. 7, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Report Says Changed to Transportation Cabinet Could Save Millions
Posted: 7-Feb-2004 9:00AM CST

The report commissioned by General Assembly's Legislative Research Commission has found that changes to the Transportation Cabinet could save the state millions on contracts. Suggested changes include reducing the number of single bid projects; the report found that the state could have saved $54 million on projects over the past two years if there had been competitive bidding.

The report also found that the projects in current plans cost $2 billion more than what the state can afford. The report noted that in 2000, the state legislature rejected a 7-cent increase in the gasoline tax, but approved a six year highway plan that assumed funding from the increased tax. The report suggests that projects be better selected to better fit into a cost-effective overall transportation system.

Among other findings in the report is a claim that the cabinet suffers from a “multiple layers of senior management.”

Republicans in the state senate have suggested adding a new Transportation Cabinet Oversight Subcommittee to the state senate. The subcommittee would have the authority to review all of the cabinets operations and cabinet officials would report to the new subcommittee.

More information: Courier-Journal: Transportation report identifies possible savings (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: REPORT: STATE OVERPAID FOR TRANSPORTATION JOBS (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Senate Republicans want more legislative oversight of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link], WKYT: Massive Changes Coming To Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Lawmakers hear report critical of past management of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 4, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: GOP wants more road agency oversight (Feb. 5, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Oversight sought for transit cabinet (Feb. 5, 2004) [Outside Link], Cincinnati Enquirer: Ky. senators seek highway oversight (Feb. 5, 2004) [Outside Link], Bowling Green Daily News: Transportation Cabinet could save millions (Feb. 5, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 8, 2004): More information: Messenger-Inquirer: Bill urges overhaul of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 8, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 9, 2004): More information: Business First: Opinion: Transportation Cabinet changes long past due (Feb. 9, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Frankfort Office Space Comes with a High Price
Posted: 3-Feb-2004 1:45AM CST

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported about the high price of office space in the state.s capital in a couple of weekend articles. It seems that many land deals are to the benefit of real estate investor Rodney Ratliff who is a major contributor to political campaigns; the state spends $2 million in rent each year on properties owned by Ratliff's company. Additionally, the state spent $1.2 million to buy three lots owned by Ratliff for the new transportation cabinet office building. The land was appraised by Franklin County at $92,000.

In other office space related news, Gov. Fletcher's budget proposes spending $46 million to renovate the office building which was formerly home to the transportation cabinet: leaving the building empty for years to come while hundreds of state workers are in rented office space.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Most Frankfort land deals seem to help one man (Feb. 1, 2004) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Fletcher's budget includes $46 million for state office building renovation (Feb. 1, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 3, 2004): More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: 7 floors of luxury for the low price of $113 million (Feb. 1, 2004) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald-Leader: Plans have state spending millions on rent (Feb. 1, 2004) [Outside Link]

Update (Feb. 7, 2004): More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Lawmakers suggest cheaper renovations (Feb. 5, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Division of Driver Licensing Begins Move to New Transportation Cabinet Office Building
Posted: 29-Jan-2004 5:33PM CST

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Division of Driver Licensing begins move to New Transportation Cabinet Office Building [Outside Link]:

FRANKFORT, KY (January 28, 2004)-The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing will begin moving into the new Transportation Cabinet Office Building next Monday, February 2, 2004. The move is expected to be complete by the close of business on Wednesday, February 4, 2004. During this period telephone access to various sections within the division will be sporadic. The Cabinet asks for your patience during the transition. Gary Brunker, Director, Division of Driver Licensing said, “We expect to be fully operational by Thursday, February 5th. In the meantime, we will do our best to provide uninterrupted service to our customers.”
The Division of Driver Licensing will be located on the 2nd floor of the new Transportation Cabinet Office Building, which is located at 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. The telephone number will remain the same, (502) 564-6800, however the individual extensions will change. The new extensions will be provided at a later date.
"We’re very excited about the move into the new building,” Brunker added. “The new office building will greatly enhance the efficiency of the Division. With the new technology infrastructure in place, we will be able to provide the citizens of the Commonwealth with more efficient and timely service."
The new 425,000 square foot Transportation Cabinet Office Building features state of the art design and technology feature which will enhance the performance of the Cabinet. The new building is structured along the "Open Space, Open Mind" concept, which is designed to improve communication and production. In addition, the building is equipped with an advanced technological infrastructure which will aid employees in fulfilling their duties for many years to come.
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For more information contact Mark Pfeiffer at (502) 564-3419.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
5-1-1 is the Number to Call for Road Conditions
Posted: 29-Jan-2004 5:22PM CST

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: 5-1-1 is the Number to Call for Road and Weather Conditions [Outside Link]:

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 26, 2004)-Kentucky’s 511 traffic and travel information line got a real workout with the weekend’s wintry weather. On Sunday, January 25th, 32,880 calls were received by the service operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
The line, launched in November of 2002, is an interactive voice recognition service that provides callers with accurate, useful and timely traffic, travel and road weather information, 24/7. Callers can request specific information on 8,217 miles of major Kentucky roadways. Information on accidents, construction areas, weather conditions and road closures allows motorists to make more informed choices for reaching their destination.
The call is free; however, roaming and airtime charges may apply on wireless calls. When traveling outside Kentucky, information on our highway system is available by calling 1-866-737-3767.
The 5-1-1 line averages about 56,780 calls per month. The all-time high call volume to date was logged on February 16, 2003 with 34,931 calls on that day.
The traffic and travel information is available by calling 5-1-1 or via the Web site at www.511.ky.gov [Outside Link]. The Web site is updated every 15 minutes, while the phone data can change each minute.

More information: Hardin County News-Enterprise: Serious crash comes as most roads are dry (Jan. 27, 2004) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Retired Air Force General Maxwell Clay Bailey Appointed New Transportation Cabinet Secretary
Posted: 6-Jan-2004 6:47AM CST

Newly elected Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed retired Air Force General Maxwell Clay Bailey as the new secretary of the Transportation Cabinet. Bailey, who currently lives in Paris, is a 1965 graduate of Paintsville High School and a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

More information: Herald-Leader: Transportation head announced (Dec. 4, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Ex-general likely to lead state road operations (Dec. 4, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: General will lead Transportation Cabinet (Dec. 5, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[US 27]
Inspector: Somerset Bypass Route Change Legitimate
Posted: 6-Jan-2004 6:47AM CST

A report from a Transportation Cabinet inspector finds that a modification made to the route of the proposed southwest Somerset bypass was legitimate. Late in the planning, the route was shifted to the west where it would pass through land owned by brothers Doug and Guy Jones, both of whom were officials in the cabinet. The brothers later resigned.

The report finds that the brothers resigned due to other reasons and that the change was a valid change.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Bypass route change legitimate, official says (Dec. 4, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Patton Admits to Ethics Violations
Posted: 6-Jan-2004 6:43AM CST

Former Gov. Patton settled ethics charges by admitting to two of the four charges he faced from Executive Branch Ethics Committee. He agreed to pay a $5,000. He admitted to intervening in the approval of a company owned by his mistress Tina Conner as a disadvantaged business enterprise and to intervening in the promotion of a Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officer who helped Conner out of a speeding ticket.

More information: Courier-Journal: Patton admits 2 charges (Nov. 17, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Louisville - Jefferson County]
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Receives National Roadway Safety Award
Posted: 6-Jan-2004 4:10AM CST

From http://www.kytc.state.ky.us/news/11-21-03.htm [Outside Link]:

Louisville, Kentucky (November 21, 2003)-The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) received a national award this week for an innovative safety project that has reduced the number of accidents at a busy Louisville intersection.
The Brook and Jefferson Streets intersection in downtown Louisville, with 32,000 vehicles a day, was also a very frequent scene for accidents and near-accidents. The Auto Incident Recording System (AIRS), consisting of video cameras, microphones, computers and a video recording system, was installed in July, 2001.
The data collected on AIRS showed that 50% of the crashes and 33% of the near crashes were associated with identical illegal left turns. Following the installation of additional signage and curb extensions, the crash number has been cut in half.
James C. Codell, III, KYTC Secretary, received the award on Wednesday in Washington, DC from the Roadway Safety Foundation and the Federal Highway Administration. Kentucky was one of 13 projects selected from more than 130 entries as an initiative for saving lives by improving roadway design, operations and overall planning.
The monitoring system is part of the Traffic Management System in the Greater Louisville Area (TRIMARC) project, which is managed by Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. The Louisville Metro Police and Public Works Department have been partners in the safety endeavor.
In announcing the award, Secretary Codell said, “Safety is the number one priority for us at the Cabinet and we are honored to be recognized for improvements that have made conditions safer for motorists.” Codell explained that the use of state-of-the-art technology to make roadways safer is truly the wave of the future.
Now that enhancements have been made at this key intersection, the equipment will be moved in the next few months to another high-incident location to collect similar data. The equipment is only used for improving safety and research purposes and not for enforcement. Louisville is the only US installation for this equipment, developed by Mitsubishi Electric Company of Japan.
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Toll Road "Credits" to be Used to Fund LexTran and TARC
Posted: 15-Nov-2003 8:32AM CST

The commonwealth will use a provision of the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) to receive federal money to fund LexTran and TARC. The ISTEA allows states to use money spent constructing toll roads that are now part of the National Highway System to be used as credits to receive federal matching funds. Usually, states must match 20% of the federal money applied to highway and transit project; however, Kentucky will use credits accumulated through the construction of the Kentucky Turnpike and parkway system in place of the 20% state matching funds.

More information: KYTC Press Release: LexTran and TARC Public Transit Systems Receive Funding through Toll Road Monies (Nov. 12, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Porn Report Delayed
Posted: 15-Nov-2003 8:31AM CST

A report by Transportation Cabinet Inspector General Bobby Russell has been delayed. The cabinet wanted to remove information that could be used to identify individual employees who were disciplined as a result of the investigation.

More information: Associated Press: Release of transportation report on Net porn delayed (Nov. 13, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Governor-Elect Fletcher Names Fred Mudge Transportation Cabinet Transitional Chair
Posted: 12-Nov-2003 3:49PM CST

Governor-Elect Ernie Fletcher, who will become Kentucky's first republican governor in 32 years, has named former Transportation Cabinet secretary Fred Mudge to head the transportation cabinet transition. Mudge was Gov. Patton's first transportation secretary.

More information: Courier-Journal: Fletcher announces 22 cabinet leaders for transition period (Nov. 12, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Ricardo Moore to Head KYTC's Disadvantages Business Enterprise Program
Posted: 11-Nov-2003 5:19AM CST

Ricardo Moore has been named the liaison officer for the transportation cabinet's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

More information: KYTC Press Release: Ricardo Moore Named Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (Nov. 3, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Employees Receive Awards at AASHTO Conference
Posted: 1-Oct-2003 2:01AM CDT

Several transportation cabinet employees received awards at the 2003 conference of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials: KYTC Press Release: Kentuckians Reap Awards at 2003 AASHTO Conference in Minneapolis (Sept. 10, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Firm Hired to Review Transportation Cabinet
Posted: 4-Sep-2003 8:37PM CDT

The Legislative Research Commission, a panel of state legislators, has hired the Dye Management Group of Bellevue, Washington to review the operation of the transportation cabinet. A report is expected before the end of the year.

More information: Associated Press: State hires firm to review Transportation Cabinet (Sept. 3, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Contractor chosen in Transportation review (Sept. 4, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Herald-Leader Profiles Transportation Cabinet Inspector General Bobby Russell
Posted: 30-Aug-2003 7:58PM CDT

The Lexington Herald-Leader reviews Transportation Cabinet Inspector General Bobby Russell's first year on the job: Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation inspector general sorts the scandals (Aug. 28, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Questions Raised About the Usefulness of KYTC's Politically Appointed "Field Services Office"
Posted: 30-Aug-2003 7:05PM CDT

The Lexington Herald-Leader looks at the so-called "Field Services Office" at the transportation cabinet: Lexington Herald-Leader: Officials question merit of political appointees; Donors Hold Transportation Jobs (Aug. 24, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Democratic, Republican Party Leaders Calls for Codell to Leave Transportation Cabinet
Posted: 29-Aug-2003 7:32PM CDT

Former state Democratic party chairman Grady Stumbo told a WYMT television audience that he believes Transportation Secretary James Codell should resign his post. Former Republican part chairman Mike Duncan agreed.

Stumbo said that spate of scandals in the Transportation Cabinet show that Codell has lost control of his employees.

More information WKYT: Call For Transportation Cabinet Secretary To Step Down (Aug. 18, 2003) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Grady Stumbo, Mike Duncan say Codell should resign (Aug. 19, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Two ex-party chairmen say Codell should resign (Aug. 20, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Judges Dismisses Beckley's Lawsuit Against KYTC, Governor
Posted: 29-Aug-2003 7:21PM CDT

A Franklin County judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Norris Beckley against the Transportation Cabinet and Gov. Patton. Beckley formerly headed the Transportation Cabinet's Office of Minority Affairs. He claimed that he was unfairly fired after his role in the Governor's sex scandal was revealed.

More information: Associated Press: Judge dismisses case against Transportation Cabinet, governor and others (Aug. 18, 2003) [Outside Link], WKYT: Suit Against Patton Dismissed (Aug. 18, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Amish Clamor for Driver's Licenses without Photos
Posted: 18-Aug-2003 3:54PM CDT

The Courier-Journal reports that following Sept. 11, 2001, the transportation cabinet asked Kentucky's county clerks to stop issuing driver's licenses without photos. This conflicts with the religious beliefs of some Amish-style groups: Courier-Journal: Group objects to photo on license (Aug. 15, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Press Release Concerning Computers Seized in Child Porn Probe
Posted: 14-Aug-2003 2:11AM CDT

Excerpt:

"Inspector General Bobby Russell of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) told reporters today [Aug. 8] that his investigators have seized eleven computers suspected of being used to view child pornography. Six of the computers were located at various offices of the Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort; two were located in Louisville, two in Bowling Green and one in Jackson."

Read the full text of the press release here [Outside Link].

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[US 27]
Second Brother Resigns Over Somerset Bypass Route
Posted: 9-Aug-2003 12:43AM CDT

On Wednesday, Guy Jones resigned from his politically appointed position in the Transportation Cabinet; Guy Jones and his brother Doug Jones, and cabinet employee, came under investigation after complaints surfaced that the route of Somerset's proposed southwestern by-pass was changed to cross property they owned.

It is also being investigated how Guy Jones managed to balance his transportation cabinet job and another job with the U.S. Postal Service.

More information: Somerset Commonwealth Journal: Oh Brother! (Aug. 8, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Computers Seized by FBI in Child Porn Probe
Posted: 8-Aug-2003 10:49PM CDT

The FBI and agents of Kentucky's attorney general have seized several computers owned by the Transportation Cabinet. Computers were seized from the cabinet's main offices in Frankfort and from other undisclosed cabinet facilities. State Auditor Ed Hatchett's office reported that 212 computers at the cabinet had been used to access 20,000 pornographic images during 24 days of reviewed Internet activity. It has been alleged that some of the images viewed included child pornography; using interstate commerce, in this case this Internet, to access child pornography is a Federal crime.

More information: Courier-Journal: FBI, attorney general seize state computers; Cabinet workers reportedly accessed child pornography (Aug. 8, 2003) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Eleven computers seized from Transportation Cabinet offices (Aug. 8, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Hackers Break Into Transportation Cabinet Computers; Cabinet Computers Also Used to View Pornography
Posted: 8-Aug-2003 2:52AM CDT

An audit of computers used by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet revealed that a group of "French hackers" broke into cabinet computers and were using them to host chat networks and distribute stolen software, videos, and music. Additionally, cabinet computers were used to access pornography 6000 times during a four day test period. Some of the pornography viewed included pornographic images of children.

At least one cabinet employee has resigned after being confronted with evidence he illegally accessed pornography, and several others are under criminal investigation.

More information: Associated Press: Hackers Break In To State's Computers (July 29, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Transportation Cabinet computers breached (July 30, 2003) [Outside Link], Associated Press: Patton: Hacking, porn visits were fault of Transportation Cabinet (July 30, 2003) [Outside Link], Lexington Herald Leader: Hackers hijack Transportation's computers (July 30, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Transportation officials say breach of agency computers has been halted (July 31, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: More state computers used to watch porn (Aug. 2, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: State transportation official will quit (Aug. 5, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Child porn accessed at Transportation Cabinet (Aug. 7, 2003) [Outside Link], WKYT: Auditors Say Kiddie Porn Found On State Computers (Aug. 7, 2003 [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Transportation Cabinet Scandals
Posted: 8-Aug-2003 2:11AM CDT
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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
UK, U of L, and KYTC Partner to Form the Academy for Community Transportation Innovation
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 6:23AM CDT

The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are using a $4.2 million federal grant obtained by Congressman Hal Rogers to from the Academy for Community Transportation Innovation. The Academy aims to foster community involvement to help in reducing congestion and improving the state's transportation system.

More information: Lexington Herald-Leader: Better transportation aim of new group (Feb. 25, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: Grant helps U of L, UK form transportation center (Feb. 25, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Scandal Coverage
Posted: 18-Jul-2003 5:42AM CDT

The transportation cabinet has run into a number of scandals of late. Here is a run down of articles related to the transportation cabinet's woes:

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[The Ohio River]
KYTC Settlement with Whistle-Blower
Posted: 14-Feb-2003 8:44PM CST

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reached a sealed settlement with Ron Gardner, a KYTC employee who alerted officials that inspectors were extorting bribes from contractors.

A judge opened the settlement in January at the request of the Courier-Journal. It was revealed that the KYTC paid Gardner $480,000 to settle the lawsuit.

More information: Daily Independent: Cabinet seals settlement with employee in whistle-blower case (Jan. 12, 2003) [Outside Link], Herald-Leader: Bridge-painting lawsuit sealed (Jan. 12, 2003) [Outside Link], Courier-Journal: State settled suit for $480,000 (Jan. 24, 2003) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Kentucky Launches New Travel Information Service
Posted: 12-Jan-2003 11:08PM CST

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet launched a new telephone and online travel information system on November 27, 2002. By dialing 511 from most telephones in the commonwealth, travelers can receive up-to-date information about driving conditions on Kentucky's highways. The information is also available online at www.511.ky.gov [Outside Link].

More information: KYTC Press Release [Outside Link], Contra Costa Times: Some cell phones don't get 511 report (Dec. 24, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
New Transportation Cabinet Inspector General Named
Posted: 6-Sep-2002 11:20PM CDT

A new Inspector General has been named for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The new inspector, Robert Russell, will have the ability to report either to the Transportation Cabinet Secretary or directly to the Governor. Over the last 18-months several cases of corruption have been reported in the transportation cabinet, including the scandal surrounding the repainting of the Kennedy Bridge in Louisville.

More information: Herald-Leader: Transit cabinet monitor is named (Sept. 6, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Changes in the Transportation Cabinet
Posted: 1-Sep-2002 5:23AM CDT

From www.kytc.state.ky.us/news/ChangesKYTC.htm [Outside Link]:

FRANKFORT, KY - (August 29, 2002) - From Somerset to Pikeville, the Transportation Cabinet Districts are seeing some personnel changes.
The District 8 office in Somerset is welcoming their new Chief District Engineer Danny Jewell as Roger Coffey retires from that position. The District office is having a reception for Mr. Coffey on Friday, August 30 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. He has served District 8 for nearly 7 years and has plans to be a full-time farmer. Before joining the Somerset office, Mr. Jewell was Preconstruction Branch Manager in the Manchester District for 13 years. He has served the Cabinet for over 28 years.
In District 12, Linda Wagner Justice will accept the position of Deputy Executive Director of the Office of Construction and Operations in the State Highway Engineers Office on September 1. She has been with District 12 for 4 ½ years. Also on September 1, Danl Hall will become Acting Chief District Engineer for the Pikeville District. Mr. Hall began his career with the Pikeville District in 1998. Prior to that he served as Public Works Commissioner for Pike County Government from 1994 to 1998. He worked for Summit Engineering as Project Manager/Project Engineer from 1987 to 1994.
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[The Ohio River]
Kennedy Bridge Painting Doomed from the Start
Posted: 12-Aug-2002 7:36PM CDT

A report commissioned by the FBI finds that the $14 million project to repaint the Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville was doomed from the start. The study reports that officials disregarded concerns that the project would wash old lead based paint into the Ohio River. The method of painting was also attacked: the state planned to "overcoat" the existing paint. The study predicted that this method would fail because the existing paint is unstable and would peel off. Work on painting the bridge was suspended in 2001 due to FBI inquiries alleged bribery and other flaws in oversight.

More information: Courier-Journal: Study blasts project to paint bridge (August 10, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Cumberland County gets New Highway Maintenance Facility
Posted: 8-Aug-2002 7:09AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has opened a new highway maintenance facility in Burkesville. The in memory and honor of Bruce Perry Parrish who was county foreman of the Cumberland County highway garage from 1975 until his retirement in 1992.

More information: KYTC Press Release: Cumberland County gets New Highway Maintenance Facility (Aug. 2, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
New Policy Includes Pedestrians and Bicyclists in Highway Planning
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 2:18AM CDT

A new policy at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet means that an evaluation of the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists will be included in future highway planning projects.

More information: KYTC Press Release [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Bridge Inspector 'Hammered' Two Previous Contractors
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 1:35AM CDT

The Courier-Journal reports that a transportation cabinet bridge inspector, Kevin L. Earles, who pleaded guilty to soliciting bribes told contractors that he had "hammered" two previous contractors. The federal government is investigating to see if Earles had solicited other contractors for bribes.

More information: Courier-Journal: Memo: Bridge inspector cited earlier bribes (June 21, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
2002 Work Zone Information Posted
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 1:23AM CDT

The Travel Information section of this website has been updated with information about Summer 2002 work zones. A transportation cabinet map of Summer 2002 work zones can be found here [Outside Link]. The transportation cabinet has also posted driving tips [Outside Link] (PDF format) and a work zone fact sheet [Outside Link].

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Inspecting Bridges Following Evansville Earthquake
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 1:13AM CDT

WPSD NewsChannel 6 reports in this June 19 article [Outside Link] that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is inspecting bridges in Western Kentucky caused by the June 18 earthquake 9 miles northwest of Evansville. The quake measured 5.0 on the Richter scale and was the largest quake to hit the region in 30 years. The Brookport Bridge near Paducah was briefly closed.

More information: WPSD: Brookport Bridge/Earthquake (June 19, 2002) [Outside Link], MyInKy.com: Did you feel that? (June 19, 2002) [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Receives Two Awards
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 12:08AM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been presented two awards from the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) for research and return on investment. The research award was awarded for the Louisville area TRIMARC system. The cabinet used a system of cameras and microphones to record accidents at an intersection. The data collected was used to make improvements to the interchange. The return on investment awarded for the ARTIMIS system in Northern Kentucky.

More information: KYTC Press Release [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Report Encourages Transportation Cabinet Reform
Posted: 31-Jul-2002 12:03AM CDT

The Transportation Cabinet's Reform and Review Committee, which was created last year to identify problems in the cabinet, has submitted a report which finds that the cabinet failed to investigate claims of extortion, oversee the work of a bridge inspector, and monitor a minority hiring program. The committee has suggested the creation of an Inspector General's Office to continue to monitor the work of the transportation cabinet.

More information: Courier-Journal: Reforms urged for Transportation Cabinet (May 10, 2002) [Outside Link], Messenger-Inquirer: Report: Most Transportation problems resolved (May 10, 2002) [Outside Link], KYTC Press Release [Outside Link]

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[I-65]
Former Bridge Inspector Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes
Posted: 15-Apr-2002 4:47PM CDT

Kevin L. Earles, a 23-year veteran employee of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, pleaded guilty on March 28 to federal anti-corruption charges. He was accused of soliciting bribes during an inspection of the Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville. The Kennedy Bridge carries I-65 into Southern Indiana.

More information: Courier-Journal: Bridge Inspector Who Took Bribes Pleads Guilty [Outside Link]

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
State Seeks Volunteers to Rate Safety and Quality of Roads
Posted: 28-Mar-2002 2:42AM CST

According to this Courier-Journal article [Outside Link], District 10 of the KYTC is looking for 10 volunteers to participate in Road Rally 2002. The idea is based on a similar program in Kansas. If the District 10 Road Rally is successful it may be tried elsewhere in state.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
GOP Demands Audit of Emergency Highway Fund
Posted: 12-Mar-2002 5:51PM CST

The Courier-Journal reports in this article [Outside Link] that GOP leader's in the state legislature are demanding an audit of the Highway Construction Contingency Account. The fund is intended for use in emergency highway repairs, but the GOP leaders accuse Gov. Patton of using it as a political slush fund to pay for pet projects in his home Pike County. Over the past 2 1/2 years Pike County received nearly 21% of the money spent in the account. This is 3 times as much of the second place Lawrence county and 25 times the average paid to Kentucky's 120 other counties. Transportation Secretary James Codell III says that there is no formal process for evaluating requests for use of the account.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Kentucky Recommended Six Year Highway Plan for 2002 Released
Posted: 10-Feb-2002 12:22AM CST

Every two years a Six Year Highway Plan is prepared and approved by Kentucky's legislature. The 2002 Recommended Six Year Highway Plan [Outside Link] has been posted on the KYTC website. The KYTC is concerned that funding might not be available to complete all of the projects because a gas tax increase was not passed by the state legislature. Instead the legislature directed the Governor to use the highway reserve fund to pay for improvements. This fund will soon be depleted. This Courier-Journal article [Outside Link] and this KYTC press release [Outside Link] have more information about the Six Year Plan and the transportation budget.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Ready for Winter
Posted: 10-Jan-2002 6:15PM CST

This press release [Outside Link] details the transportation cabinet's preparation for winter weather. Kentucky has a toll free road information telephone number at 1-800-4KY-ROADS.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Regroups After Scandals
Posted: 10-Jan-2002 6:03PM CST

This Courier-Journal article [Outside Link] reports that Transportation Secretary James Codell has called for am "internal process audit" to determine what the transport cabinet has done wrong after recent scandals involving bridge inspections, fraud in a minority business program, and problems in the driver's licenses office.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
Effectiveness of Program to Help Minority Contractors Questioned
Posted: 5-Dec-2001 6:57AM CST

The Courier-Journal reports in this article [Outside Link] that the effectiveness of a program meant to help minority business owners has come into question. The program is designed to help minority owned businesses by requiring that a certain percentage of road project subcontracts to be awarded to such businesses.

Update 12/7/01: Here is a Cincinnati Enquirer [Outside Link] article about the program.

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[I-65]
Bridge Inspector Indicted
Posted: 5-Dec-2001 6:50AM CST

According to this Courier-Journal article [Outside Link] a federal grand jury in Louisville indicted Kevin Lee Earles, 41, on three counts of extortion for allegedly demanding bribes that totaled $18,000. Earles was a KYTC inspector for painting work being done on the Kennedy Bridge in Louisville. He reportedly told a painting-company executive that there was a ''history'' of making payments to inspectors.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
State Budget Cuts May Affect Road Work
Posted: 25-Nov-2001 3:44PM CST

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this article [Outside Link] (no longer online) that state budget cuts may affect road projects in the Owensboro area; however, most appear to be on track. While projects such as an eastern extension of the US 60 By-pass, the William H. Natcher bridge, and other work on US 60 are expected to be funding. Work on roads such as Southtown Boulevard was to be funded by surplus money which may no longer be available.

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[I-65]
Second Lawsuit Filed over Kennedy Bridge Work
Posted: 4-Nov-2001 5:53AM CST

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports in this article [Outside Link] that a second lawsuit has been filed over alleged illegal activity regarding inspection of the Kennedy Bridge. In this lawsuit, a KYTC employee claims he was demoted after reporting that state inspectors were falsifying records, getting kickbacks from a supplier and soliciting bribes from contractors.

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[Commonwealth of Kentucky]
KYTC Website Down
Posted: 20-Sep-2001 10:20PM CDT

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet [Outside Link] website has been down since Tuesday, September 18, 2001. I believe this is related to the Nimda [Outside Link] internet worm, since the site was also down for an extended period when the Code Red worm arose.

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