Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

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) 

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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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) 

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) , Associated Press: 2 charges dismissed in bid-rigging case (Feb. 11, 2009 , Associated Press: New indictment issued in bid-rigging case (Feb. 11, 2009) 

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.

“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) 

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

Several photographs of the new building have been posted here  and here .

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) 

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 

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) , WKYT: 15 Kentucky Road Projects Cut Due To Budget Crisis (March 4, 2004) , Hardin County News Enterprise: State drops I-65 widening (March 5, 2004) 

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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) , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Work Zone Safety Message Comes Straight From The Heart (March 9, 2004) 

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) 

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) , Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Civil engineer named highway commissioner (Feb. 26, 2004) , Courier-Journal: Lexington engineer named chief of highways (Feb. 26, 2004) 

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

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.

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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) 

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) , Associated Press: Senate passes bill for oversight of Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 19, 2004) , Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: Text and Status of 2004 Regular Session Senate Bill 2 

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

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 .

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) 

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

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) , Associated Press: Transportation faces more monitoring (Feb. 12, 2004) 

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) 

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) 

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) , (Northern) Kentucky Post: Attorney: Patton will not be indicted (Feb. 9, 2004) , WKYT: Conner Request To Withdraw Plea Denied (Feb. 9, 2004) 

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) 

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

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

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

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) , Associated Press: Fletcher's budget includes $46 million for state office building renovation (Feb. 1, 2004) 

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

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

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Division of Driver Licensing begins move to New Transportation Cabinet Office Building :

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.

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

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 . 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) 

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) , Courier-Journal: Ex-general likely to lead state road operations (Dec. 4, 2003) , Courier-Journal: General will lead Transportation Cabinet (Dec. 5, 2003) 

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) 

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) 

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

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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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) 

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) 

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) 

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) 

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) 

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) , Courier-Journal: Contractor chosen in Transportation review (Sept. 4, 2003) 

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) 

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) 

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) , Associated Press: Grady Stumbo, Mike Duncan say Codell should resign (Aug. 19, 2003) , Courier-Journal: Two ex-party chairmen say Codell should resign (Aug. 20, 2003) 

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) , WKYT: Suit Against Patton Dismissed (Aug. 18, 2003) 

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) 

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 .

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) 

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) , Associated Press: Eleven computers seized from Transportation Cabinet offices (Aug. 8, 2003) 

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

• Lexington Herald-Leader: Transportation Cabinet scandals bringing scrutiny (July 29, 2003)  - After costly law suites and high profile scandals, the state legislature will direct the Legislative Research Commission to hire a consultant to study management at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
• Associated Press: Governor's former mistress pleads innocent to mail fraud charge (July 30, 2003) , Lexington Herald-Leader: Conner pleads not guilty to mail fraud (July 31, 2003) , Cincinnati Enquirer: Tina Connor pleads innocent to mail fraud (July 31, 2003)  - The charges relate to the state's certification of a contracting company owned by Tina Conner and her former husband as a disadvantaged business enterprise.
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Judge dismisses lawsuit against Transportation cabinet, officials in their state capacity (Aug. 4, 2003) , Courier-Journal: Judge dismisses part of suit over minority-contractor program; Claims against Transportation Cabinet rejected (Aug. 5, 2003)  - A lawsuit against the Transportation Cabinet has been dismissed; however, Sec. Codell and State Highway Engineer Yowell may still be sued as individuals.
• Lexington Herald-Leader: Governor appoints new director of Transportation Cabinet's minority affairs office (Aug. 5, 2003)  - Alleged misuses of the cabinet's minority affairs program are at the heart of the current crises.

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) , Courier-Journal: Grant helps U of L, UK form transportation center (Feb. 25, 2003) 

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:

• Associated Press: FBI says subpoena related to Conner case (Jan. 31, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Grand jury hears Cabinet witnesses (Feb. 13, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Bill would give review powers over Transportation Cabinet (Feb. 26, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Transportation Cabinet oversight bill passed (Feb. 27, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Report: Tina Conner friend got promoted with outside influence (Mar. 4, 2003) 
• Courier-Journal: Report: Patton helped officer who aided Conner (Mar. 5, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Ticket 'fix' may have led to raise (Mar. 5, 2003) 
• Courier-Journal: Governor hopefuls promise change (Mar. 9, 2003) 
• Courier-Journal: Minority firms receive little state business in Kentucky (March 18, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Ethics panel charges Patton; Allegations Stem Ffrom Conner Affair (Mar. 26, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Ethics Charges (Mar. 26, 2003) 
• Courier-Journal: Patton charged with 4 ethics violations (Mar. 26, 2003) 
• Associated Press: State paying $12 million to settle suit over bridge in bribery case (May 27, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Former transportation official sues governor (June 12, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Lawyer for Patton's ex-mistress says she could still be charged (June 26, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Two companies sue Transportation Cabinet over program (July 1, 2003) 
• Associated Press: Auditor criticizes planned Transportation Cabinet kitchen deal (July 1, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Suit alleges fraud by officials on contracts (July 2, 2003) 
• Bowling Green Daily News: Suit uses BG company to highlight its concern (July 5, 2003) 
• Herald-Leader: Governor's ex-mistress is indicted (July 10, 2003) 

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) , Herald-Leader: Bridge-painting lawsuit sealed (Jan. 12, 2003) , Courier-Journal: State settled suit for $480,000 (Jan. 24, 2003) 

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 .

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

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) 

From www.kytc.state.ky.us/news/ChangesKYTC.htm :

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.

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) 

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) 

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 

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) 

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 . The transportation cabinet has also posted driving tips  (PDF format) and a work zone fact sheet .

WPSD NewsChannel 6 reports in this June 19 article  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) , MyInKy.com: Did you feel that? (June 19, 2002) 

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 

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) , Messenger-Inquirer: Report: Most Transportation problems resolved (May 10, 2002) , KYTC Press Release 

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 

According to this Courier-Journal article , 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.

The Courier-Journal reports in this article  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.

Every two years a Six Year Highway Plan is prepared and approved by Kentucky's legislature. The 2002 Recommended Six Year Highway Plan  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  and this KYTC press release  have more information about the Six Year Plan and the transportation budget.

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

This Courier-Journal article  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.

The Courier-Journal reports in this article  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  article about the program.

According to this Courier-Journal article  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.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports in this article  (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.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports in this article  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.

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