As many of you are already aware, Governor Bevin's proposed state budget (released on January 16) eliminated funding for 70 state programs.  One of the funding lines removed by the Governor is the $290,000 allocation for the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC).  This funding, which supports KTC's Technology Transfer (T2) Program, comes from the Road Fund, so removal of the funding has no impact on the General Fund.

KTC's T2 Program currently delivers more than 300 workshops each year, providing essential training to over 8,000 transportation employees across the Commonwealth.  The programs and courses delivered by T2 include the Roads Scholar and Road Master Training Programs, the Pesticide Continuing Education and Training and Testing Program, the Safety Circuit Rider Program, Traffic Incident Management Training (for first responders), the Work Zone Traffic Control Employee Qualification Program, and the Superpave Asphalt Qualification Program.  Because of the legislative appropriation, KTC is able to offer training at minimal cost and at numerous locations across the state, thus maximizing the accessibility and affordability of the courses for the attendees. Recently, the Center pursued and obtained two federal grants through FHWA's Accelerating Safety Activities Program (ASAP).  These grants support the Highway Safety Academy and the Horizontal Curve Alignment Signing course.  These courses are provided at no cost to county and local governments.  Many of KTC's courses are approved by the Kentucky Department for Local Governments towards the County Elected Officials Training Incentive Program (KRS 64.5275). 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated KTC's T2 Program as a Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP).  The state appropriation provides the required match for $150,000 of federal LTAP funding each year.  In addition to the aforementioned training, the T2 program provides information dissemination (newsletter, website, etc.), a transportation library, development and dissemination of training videos, identifying and pursuing federal grant opportunities, and a free equipment loan program for county and local governments. 

The Center's ability to offer high-quality, low-cost training and technical assistance to transportation professionals and decision-makers across the Commonwealth is contingent on continued funding for these vital programs.  We are thankful for your partnership and support as we all work together to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation system.  

For additional information on the effect of the legislative appropriation to the T2 program, download the T2 Information Sheet.  

Storm season in Kentucky begins with snow and ice in February and March and continues through April and May with thunderstorms.  During this time, the Commonwealth can experience a large number of ice storms, severe storms and tornadoes which often leave damage and destruction in their path.  Now is a good time to train your crew on proper chainsaw safety.  

The Chainsaw Safety Training Clinic is a three-day event designed to help prepare participants for tree removal projects and safety conditions.  The training is done in three full-day sessions: 

Day 1: Demonstration Safety Training - The Chainsaw Demonstration Safety Training Course covers the basics of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), saw safety features and adjustments; reactive forces, basic directional felling and limbing; and topping. 

Day 2: Hands-On Safety Training - The Chainsaw Hands-On Safety Training Course will take place outdoors and will consist of lecture and hands-on activities.  The course will include work on springpoles and wedging; hands-on training in carburetor adjustments, chisel bit and round chain filing, as well as other topics. 

Day 3: Limbing, Bucking and Debris Removal - This hands-on course will discuss pressures and binds, site information and assessment, recognizing hazard removals, throwline and rope discussions and utilizing springpoles.

Dates

March 5-8, 2018: Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

September 17-19, 2018: Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

For additional information or to register online, visit the Chainsaw Safety Training page.