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The Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) held their 41st Annual Conference this week in Lexington. It is a conference that brings together local elected officials to discuss everything from animal shelters to pensions to property taxes.
KBT traditionally secures an exhibit booth at KACo and this year was no exception. It is an event I look forward to ever year. Several of our members attend the conference or participate as exhibitors so it provides us with a great opportunity to see everyone and catch up on what is happening with their company or in their county.
While all the catching up is fun, it is not the primary reason KBT exhibits at KACo.
We exhibit to remind everyone that transportation plays a key role in the success of their county and all the people who live in it.
We were there to remind everyone that every citizen and every company that is located within their county's borders expects a safe, dependable transportation network.
We were there to remind everyone that a bad road makes it hard to get to work. It will make it hard to get your kids to school. It will make it hard to get your sick mother the doctor. Bad roads limit access - and limited access to every day needs impacts people's ability to thrive and remain independent.
We were there to remind everyone that people expect rail crossing improvements. Site selection companies expect GA airports to be well maintained and operable. Citizens who don't have access to private transportation will need access to public transit. Companies who move bulk freight like grain or aggregates will need access to ports.
We were there to remind the county officials that we have to continue advocating for funding for our transportation network even if it seems we've addressed funding issues in the recent past. If we don't continue to advocate and educate about the importance of our transportation network and why we need to continually maintain and improve it, people will forget.
As a state, we cannot afford to forget how important our transportation network is to our economy and the quality of life of our citizenry. To make sure that doesn't happen, I'll keep talking, exhibiting, and reminding everyone I see. I encourage all of our KBT members to join me.
By the way - I hope you enjoy a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by your family and friends.
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Don't let Earl
y Bird Registration "Fly-By"
Register by December 14, 2015!
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Ron Crouch to speak at the 38th Annual Kentucky Transportation Conference.
Ron Crouch currently serves as Director of Research and Statistics, Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, overseeing the development of databases on demographic, social, educational, workforce, and economic issues and trends relating to the state of Kentucky, October, 2009 to present. Research and Statistics is developing tables, spreadsheets, and ARC/GIS maps looking at national, regional, and Kentucky realities. Ron served as Director of the Kentucky State Data Center, KSDC, located at the University of Louisville from August, 1988 until his retirement at the end of May, 2009, nearly 21 years.
Ron has developed a national database analyzing trends by both Census regions and states. He also has developed Census profiles for all 50 states including population pyramids by race and Hispanic origin, a population chart showing population trends by age by race and Hispanic origin, and tables indicating trends on demographic, social and economic variables.
Ron's background is in analyzing data and developing information in ways that enhance understanding and utilization. Ron's vocation is that of "knowledge dissemination". He is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a major in Sociology, and minors in Political Science and Economics. He holds Masters degrees in Sociology, MA, and in Social Work, MSSW, from the University of Louisville, and a Master in Business Administration, MBA, from Bellarmine University. He did doctoral work in Sociology at the University of Kentucky.
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KBT Air Transportation Committee Meeting:
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Date and Time:
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November 30, 2015
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Place:
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Blue Grass Airport
Board Room
Terminal Drive
Lexington, KY |
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Registration Required:
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Click here to register |
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KBT committee meetings are open to all KBT members.
KBT events are open to members and their guests.
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Public Transit Featuring Paducah Area Transit Authority (PATS)
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| Public Transit featuring Paducah Area Transit Authority (PATS) |
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Aviation News from KBT Member Muhlenberg Airport
A note from KBT Member Muhlenberg Airport Board Member Danny Walker.
I know we <in the aviation field> all look pictures of airplanes every day but to have two nice jets, a Lear 70 and a Lear 75 together on our brand new apron is a jaw dropping experience at least for me and most of us at Muhlenberg Airport.
I never expected our new apron and taxiway to get this kind of use this early (taxiway still not opened but we pressed the apron into service to accommodate these beauties).
I know the pilots and corporate America appreciate this expansion and opportunity. Best we can tell, these were in to support the new Gas Combined cycle plant being constructed at Paradise. Asked the pilots but they were somewhat tight lipped, probably per orders.
I realize that we talk a lot about how an airport supports a community so I just hope this helps people to realize just how much can be accomplished when we all support each other. If any of you haven't seen the progress at the airport, please drop by and take a look at our expanded facility. All the paving is complete, just some fencing, and lighting remains to be finished. And of course the fuel system SNAFU that we are presently navigating thru. We should have the new fuel system in place by early 2016 and be able to remove the old system and finalize our apron work.
Based on recent Vision 20/20 meetings, Chamber meetings and such, the leaders of this County appear to have a real interest in working forward and trying to develop corporate participation in our home. This airport will definitely not, by itself, bring in corporate America. But if we pull our education level up and can create the amenities that they need, then this airport is a fantastic "first impression" and support tool that can most definitely assist in development.
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Riverport Study Encouraging
A study to determine the feasibility of developing a riverport in the region has been completed by the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky.
A report issued as a result of the study was presented during a membership meeting of the Maysville Mason County Chamber of Commerce at the Maysville Country Club on Tuesday.
Roy Sturgill and Bryan Gibson reviewed the report, telling the more than 60 in attendance that a riverport in the Maysville area makes sense and should be studied further.
The two suggested members of the Port Authority and local officials seek grant funding to develop a riverport plan and consider infrastructure improvements that would make property in Charleston Bottoms attractive as a site.
"The goal should be to create a functional port that could be expanded," said Sturgill.
Members of the Port Authority stressed the UK study was preliminary in nature and was intended only to determine whether a new port would be feasible.
Sturgill said there is no timetable for development, but grant funding opportunities would open in the spring of 2016, and local officials could be in a position to ask for funding to prepare a formal plan.
Gibson told the crowd Transportation Center representatives had looked at several sites in the region including an industrial site near Dover and the Lewis County Industrial Park near Vanceburg.
He said the 142-acre site in Charleston Bottoms - currently owned by CSX - is perhaps the most promising because of its proximity to highway and railroad corridors. In spite of the property's location on the river, most of the ground sits close to the 500-year floodplain.
The 50-mile distance in either direction to an Ohio River bridge also makes the area attractive for development.
Sturgill and Gibson reviewed economic and demographic trends that suggest the region has the available workforce to support a port facility and the educational opportunities to provide skilled workers to staff it.
The two men also talked at length about the kinds of materials that would likely pass through a river port. For the most part, that would include commodities and bulk items including coal, aggregates and agricultural production.
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The holiday season is right around the corner. As we prepare for festivities with family and friends, NHTSA wants to remind all drivers that it's dangerous to drive after drinking.
These marketing tools can be distributed to fit your local needs and objectives while, at the same time, partnering with other States, communities, and traffic safety organizations on this drunk driving prevention initiative.
Click
here and get your campaign materials now.
SaferRide, HTSA's New Mobile App
During this holiday season, and throughout the year, NHTSA's new SaferRide app will help keep drunk drivers off our roads by allowing users to call a taxi or a friend and by identifying their location so they can be picked up. It is available for Android and iPhone devices.
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MADISONVILLE, Ky. (News Release) -Gov. Steve Beshear, backed by federal highway officials and dozens of state and local leaders, today unveiled a shiny red, white and blue highway sign marking the long-sought designation of Interstate 69 for a section of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway.
"Creating an I-69 corridor through the Pennyrile and Jackson Purchase has been a long, long quest requiring a lot of hard work by a lot of people. And today we can take enormous satisfaction from knowing that we have reached a true milestone," Gov. Beshear said.
Gov. Beshear's two terms as Kentucky's highest elected leader ends Dec. 7, and the realization of an I-69 corridor is part of his administration's impressive legacy.
When complete, the I-69 corridor will run north to south from the Ohio River at Henderson to the Tennessee line at Fulton - approximately 155 miles. In addition to the Pennyrile Parkway, the corridor includes sections of I-24, the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway and the Julian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway.
"Finally achieving western Kentucky's long-held dream of an I-69 brings multiple advantages," Gov. Beshear said. "It means a safer, more efficient roadway for the many thousands of travelers who live and work and visit here. It also means the addition of a powerful tool for the development and economy of western Kentucky."
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U.S. Senate Passes Short Term Funding Patch
From Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (11.19.15) - The Senate just passed H.R. 3996, another short-term transportation funding patch through December 4, 2015. This bill will now be sent the President for enactment. We are hopeful this patch will allow the Transportation Conference Committee-which is working hard now to resolve the differences between the long-term transportation bills that passed the Senate and House earlier this year-to complete its work.
Natcher Parkway News
From Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (11.17.15) - A letter from Sen. McConnell and Rep Guthrie, along with Sen. Paul and Rep. Whitfield, to the Chairmen of the Congressional Transportation Committees today requesting that the Chairmen include language in the final Highway Bill Conference Report that would designate the Natcher Parkway an official Spur of I-65. We hope such a designation would help attract additional employers and economic development to the region.
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For Immediate Release:
KYTC Division of Planning seeks input on Public Involvement Process Public can review, make comments Nov. 16-Jan. 1
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2015) -The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is seeking input on the updated "Public Involvement Process for Statewide Transportation Planning and Project Delivery: Interested Parties, Public Involvement and Consultation Process" document.
From Nov. 16, 2015, to Jan. 1, 2016, members of the public can review the draft document and provide comments through a short confidential survey. The document and survey are available at: http://yourturn.transportation.ky.gov or by paper copy at locations where hard copies of the draft document can be viewed.
The goal of the Public Involvement Process is to provide Kentuckians an opportunity to aide in the identification, planning and implementation of important transportation needs and priorities across the Commonwealth.
The "Public Involvement Process for Statewide Transportation Planning and Project Delivery: Interested Parties, Public Involvement, and Consultation Process" documentation is available at the following locations throughout the state:
* KYTC Highway District offices
* Area Development District offices
* Metropolitan Planning Organization offices
* Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office Building, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort
For special accommodations or additional information, contact KYTC Office of Public Affairs at 502-564-3419.
Any individual, agency, or organization may provide comments to:
State Highway Engineer
Department of Highways
Transportation Cabinet Office Building, 6th Floor
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: 502-782-4966
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Opportunities to Serve in Governor-elect Matt Bevin's Administration
There will be a variety of non-merit positions to be filled in Governor-elect Matt Bevin's Administration, all of which would provide a tremendous opportunity to serve fellow Kentuckians and the Commonwealth.
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Safety and Railroad Crossings
- Trains and cars don't mix. Never race a train to the crossing - even if you tie, you lose.
- The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.
- Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's 18 football fields!
- Never drive around lowered gates - it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.
- Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
- If your vehicle ever stalls on a track with a train coming, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming. If you run in the same direction the train is traveling, when the train hits your car you could be injured by flying debris. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
- At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
- When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
- ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
Click to read more here
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Save the Date - Kentucky Lifesavers Conference
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Date:
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March 22-24, 2016
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Place:
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Galt House, Louisville
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More Informat
ion:
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Workshop - Drones: What do you know? What do you need to know?
Kentucky Transportation Department will be holding a workshop December 10, 2015 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington.
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2016 Annual Kentucky Transportation Conference
Sponsors to Date:
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Gold
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Silver
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Kentucky Equipment Distributors
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Bronze
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Exhibitors
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Roadway Construction Products
Ricon Corporation
Unique Paving Products
Terracon
O.R. Colan Associates
Intech
Long Construction Management
Hinkle Environmental Services
Hinkle Construction Services, LLC
Hinkle Contracting Company
Gresham Smith and Partners
Garver
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KBT's Mission Statement
Kentuckians for Better Transportation educates and advocates for all modes of transportation to promote a safe, sustainable transportation network that brings economic growth and improved quality of life to all Kentucky Communities.
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Kentuckians for Better Transportation | (502) 491-5600 | www.kbtnet.org
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