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Transportation News January 27, 2012

Monty Boyd Elected KBT Chairman for 2012

Monty L. Boydwas elected 2012 KBT Chairman on Thursday, January 19, 2012 by the KBT Board of Directors. Boyd is the President, CEO and Chairman of Whayne Supply, one of the nation's oldest and largest Catepillar dealerships. With its headquarters in Louisville and nine district offices across the Commonwealth, Boyd and Whayne Supply are looking forward to 2013, as it marks a century of service since the company was founded in 1913.

Serving with Boyd on the KBT Executive Committee are: David Haydon (Nally & Haydon) as KBT First Vice Chair, Greg Hensley (Hinkle Contracting) as KBT Second Vice-Chair; Richard Sutherland (Stantec) as KBT Secretary; Crissy Fiscus (Dean Dorton Allen Ford) as KBT Treasurer; Clint Goodin (Vaughn & Melton) as KBT Director-At-Large, and Mark Willis (Stantec) as KBT Immediate Past Chair.

Joining the KBT Board of Directors in 2012 will be five directors, who are: Ted Smith, Director of Innovation for Metro Louisville Government; Bryce Walker of Walker Construction; Jeff Houchin of Intech Contracting LLC; Mike Carter, CEO of Lynn Imaging and John McCarty of Strong-McCarty Global.

Immediate Past Chair Mark Willis, who served as KBT Chairman in 2011, said, "I am very proud of our accomplishments over the last year. First, KBT has experienced record-breaking growth in the number of new members. Secondly, KBT relocated its offices and established an inviting "home" for KBT staff and for KBT members to work and visit. Thirdly, KBT has made many small changes in its structures and practices that, when taken in whole, have energized and streamlined KBT," Willis stated. "Lastly, KBT commissioned the $60,000 "Four Modes Study", a study undertaken to determine how other states fund their public transit, airports, rail and waterways agencies within their state governments. All combined, it was a busy and productive year, and I have no doubt that Monty Boyd will continue this growth in 2012," Willis concluded.



KBT New Member: City of Frankfort

KBT welcomes the City of Frankfort as our newest KBT member!

The town of Frankfort likely received its name from an event that took place in the early 1780s. Native American Indians attacked a group of British-American pioneers while they were making salt at a ford in the Kentucky River. After the pioneer Stephen Frank was killed, the settlers began to refer to that river crossing as "Frank's Ford". The name was later shortened to Frankfort.

The City of Frankfort was founded in 1786 and officially incorporated on February 28, 1835. Of course, it's the Capital City of Kentucky and the county seat for Franklin County. The City of Frankfort has a population of approximately 28,000 residents, but the daily population increases to approximately 50,000 based on the workforce in Franklin County, or commutes into the City from neighboring counties.

The City of Frankfort is governed by the Mayor H. Gippy Graham, the City Commissioners and administered by the City Manager.

Mayor Graham was elected Mayor in 2008 and began serving on January 1, 2009. Previously he served as a State Representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, and also served as an Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Highways. Mayor Graham has served as a public school teacher, as well as teaching at the college level, where he was an assistant professor and department chair.

You may reach Mayor Graham at ggraham@frankfort.ky.gov or at 502-875-8500. His address at City Hall is 315 West Second Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Welcome to KBT, City of Frankfort !



34th Transportation Conference Has Record Number of Speakers and Attendance

Nearly 400 transportation advocates gathered in Lexington on January 19 and 20 to hear some 41 speakers addressing 29 cutting-edge transportation topics.

The two-day Conference was held at the Lexington Hyatt Regency, with meals and a reception being held in the adjacent Lexington Center, due to space considerations. Also, for a first time, 20 exhibitors joined the KBT Conference. In all, conference attendees were able to choose from 19 breakout session topics and attend five breakout sessions of at least 45 minutes, each.

On Thursday morning, State Highway Engineer Steve Waddle attracted an audience over 130 for his topic, "What the 2012 Construction Season Will Look Like".

At the Thursday Governor's Luncheon, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshsear told the audience, " we have achieved a lot, together." Beshear spoke of the need of all five modes operating in harmony to expand Kentucky's job market and workforce. He was interrupted several times by applause from the KBT crowd.

The Thursday afternoon General Session speakers included NTSB Chair Deborah Hersman, General Electric's Bradford Swann, and AASHTO's Jack Basso.

Chair Hersman challenged KBT transportation advocates to increase legislative support to improve distracted and drunk driving laws in Kentucky, and enact administrative license revocation, along with strengthened seat belt and child booster seat laws. "You guys know what needs to be done," Hersman told the audience. "Now is the time to put on a full court press. Now is the time to take a stand. How can we change people? How can we change behavior?" she asked.

Bradford Swann of GE presented a compelling PowerPoint presentation on the efforts of Greenville, South Carolina to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) there. Thanks to the efforts of a wide variety of governments, employers and civic leaders, Greenville has more than 40 "quick charge" sites to encourage EV purchases.

AASHTO's Jack Basso, an experienced transportation policy maker in Washington, D.C was the third national speaker. "I went to work in 1964, and until 2008 the HTF always had money in it. But we are falling behind every year now, and the funding gap will continue to grow. If Congress fails to extend SAFETEA-LU, the HTF loses $110 million per day, if it is just shut down for one day!" So, what did Basso's crystal ball predict in the coming months? "Budget cuts are the order of the day, and the road ahead is, at best, unclear. In the end, the month of February will be very, very interesting," he concluded.

On Thursday evening, Speaker Greg Stumbo and Senate President David Williams shared speaking duties to the KBT crowd.

"We need a workable 6-year Road Plan, not one that's over programmed. It's all well and good to have your project in the 6-year Road Plan, but if it's not going to be funded and built, it shouldn't be in there," Speaker Stumbo said.

"Everyone should be interested in the Louisville Bridges Project as it is a daunting task, especially when considering the Brent Spence Bridge needs in Northern Kentucky," said Senate President Williams. "These are the most important logistical challenges in our state. Let me add that there is no need to criticize; instead we need to review and scrutinize. We need to think about maintenance costs, but everyone should be interested in these projects." In conclusion, President Williams said "we are going to do an orderly Road Plan. That you can count on. The General Assembly is in session, and we will start focusing on important issues at hand."

One of the more colorful conference comments was uttered by economist Ron Crouch, Director of Research & Statistics for the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet in Frankfort. Crouch's topic was entitled, "What the 2010 Census Tells Us about Transportation Trends." While discussing the impact of China's economy on global consumption patterns, Crouch said, "the average Chinese home has four grandparents, two parents and one working adult son or daughter." His point: China's workforce is not sustainable, long-term.

Friday's Closing Luncheon speaker was Peter Rahn, Senior Vice President for HNTB. Rahn, the former leading state transportation official in both Missouri and New Mexico, urged transportation advocates to be more bold on funding issues. "Demand it," Rahn

House and Senate Transportation Committees Meet

This week, the House- Transportation Committee, chaired by Rep. Hubert Collins (Wittensville) and the Senate - Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Ernie Harris (Crestwood) met for the first time, each.

Three bills passed out of the House-Transportation Committee on Tuesday at 12:00 noon. HB 165, sponsored by Rep. Mike Denham (Maysville) requires that motorists have their headlights on if it is misting and raining to the extent that windshield wipers are needed. The penalty carries no fine and no court cost with the first offense. HB 221, sponsored by Rep. Rick Nelson (Middlesboro) will allow veterans to have a designation on their driver's license stating that they are a veteran at their first application, or when renewed.
Finally, HR 85, sponsored by Rep. Rick Nelson (Middlesboro) urges all corporate railroad officials in Kentucky to require that proper maintenance be conducted at all railroad crossings located in the Commonwealth. Both HB322 and HR85 passed with no dissenting votes and will go to the House floor.
The House Transportation Committee discussed, but took no action, on bills that would require slow-moving horse-drawn carriages to use special reflective tape and lanterns to better illuminate the carriages, because they are a serious safety hazard.

On Wednesday, January 25, the Senate Transportation Committee met for the first time and favorably considered SB 75, a measure which also deals with slow-moving horse-drawn carriages, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters (Murray). Winters bill will go to the Senate floor in the coming days, and will likely be the bill which moves this issue through the 2012 General Assembly. At issue is a religious belief by the Amish sect in Western Kentucky that forbids them from displaying a bright orange slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of their buggies. Currently, a law suit on this issue is heading for the Ky. Supreme Court and expected to be heard this Spring.

KBT also wishes to commend Sen. Ernie Harris (Crestwood) for introducing SB 89, a bill which would expand Kentucky's seat belt requirement to apply to 12-passenger and 15-passenger vans. This issue was designated as one of five safety priorities by the KBT Board of Directors in September and November.



Natural Gas Truck Stops Are Expanding....

The United States is blessed with record supplies of natural gas and plenty of reasons to promote natural gas cars, but so far, individual consumers, manufacturers and fuel suppliers haven't shown much interest.

But that may be ready to change.

According to the international trade association Natural Gas Vehicles Global, there are 12.7 million natural gas vehicles in the world, but just 112,000 of them in the U.S. Most in the U.S. are fleets.

Lots of natural gas is available. In just a few years, domestic natural gas supply has increased by trillions of cubic feet, through shale finds. In fact, the increase in supply is making some natural gas producers consider plans to export U.S. natural gas in an effort to find new markets for the overflow.

The growth of natural gas vehicles in the United States, so far, has been dominated by public transit buses, taxis and garbage haulers. Only one car company, Honda, is commercially producing a natural gas fueled car, it's the Honda Civic NG. According to Honda, they have sold about 13,000 units, but it has been available for 13 years!

The reason for lackluster sales of natural gas vehicles are straight-forward: the fuel is only available at a handful of public stations. In fact, there are no public natural gas fueling stations in Kentucky, an issue Kentucky State Representative Steve Riggs (Louisville) brought to the attention of KBT, recently, when he placed a phone call to the KBT office. Another issue with natural gas vehicles is the fact that they can carry a higher purchase price or list price. Even though the pump price for natural gas can run $1 to $2 less per gallon for gasoline, natural gas engines. In most natural gas pumping stations, natural gas is priced in "gge" or gallon gasoline equivalent. Currently, public natural gas stations in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois are selling natural gas for $1.40 per gge to $1.85 per gge. WOW! What a savings!

The focus for the natural gas vehicle industry in the United States has been fuel-guzzlers: commercial vehicles, especially tractor-trailer rigs. Kentucky, it would seem, would be perfectly located for natural gas truck stops ---along I-75, I-64, I-71, I-65, I-24 and I-69. Watch this spot. It's going to change, and change fast.



Water Transportation Advisory Board: Feb. 7

The 7-member Kentucky Water Transportation Advisory Board will meet in Frankfort on Wednesday, February 7, 2012 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Frankfort. The meeting will be held in Room C 106 in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Building at 200 Mero Street. Greg Pritchett (Henderson Riverport Authority) chairs the all-volunteer panel.

Agenda items include presentations by Mark Locker of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Locker will discuss the ODOT Maritime and Freight Program. Chuck Knowles of the Kentucky Transportation Center at UK will discuss waterways research efforts at KTC. KBT President Stan Lampe will brief the Advisory Board on pending legislation in the 2012 Session that has implications for waterways commerce.

The Water Transportation Advisory Board meetings are public meetings, and KBT members with interest in waterways commerce are encouraged to attend.



Our Readers Write .......

Two weeks ago, January 13, the KBT newsletter called on President Obama and the 112 th Congress to link their supportive words about transportation funding with real action as the 112th Congress reconvenes in Washington, D.C. following the Christmas holiday break. That article drew this response:

KBT ---

Right on the problems of the economy! Wish the "Stimulus" could have concentrated more on "Highway Engineering" and less on "Social Engineering". Keep up the good work!

Fletcher Gabbard

UK Professor of Physics (retired)

McKee, Kentucky

Louisville TV Editorial Hits The Bull's Eye !

WAVE TV-3, the NBC affiliate in Louisville, and Kentucky's first television station back in the 1950's has a new General Manager, Ken Salvaggi, who has been running hard-hitting editorials on a wide variety of subjects since coming to Louisville last summer. Yesterday, Thursday, January 26, the televised editorial said:

"Left unsaid among the tax talk during the President's State of the Union address, this week, was the archaic way we pay for our transportation network in this country. The cost of roads is up, more cars drive on them, and more miles are being driven. Yet, fuel tax revenue has dropped 20% over the past ten years. In the first three months of the year 2000, a total of $68 billion was collected in fuel taxes on the federal, state and local level. In the first three months of the year 2010, a total of $55 billion was collected. The reason is simple. The gas tax is on the fuel we buy and we are buying less because we are driving more fuel-efficient cars. And some of us are not buying gas at all to drive. The next generation of vehicles, powered by electricity, natural gas, hydrogen and compressed air are or will be driving on our roads for free. A user fee could be the answer but something must be done to address this issue before our roads join our bridges as crumbling infrastructure. And an economy struggling to move forward gets stalled again. We are seeing, firsthand, now how bridge closings can impact our economy. We don't want road closing to follow."

Thanks, WAVETV-3

Legislative Summary

Selected State Transportation Legislation

Selected State Transportation Legislation for KBT Members

(as of Thursday, January 26, 2012)

(Updated status of bills available at www.lrc.ky.gov)

Administrative

Airports

HB 124 (Rep. Wayne) Allow a planning unit to incorporate airport noise overlay districts within its zoning texts and maps; allow the planning unit to incorporate guidelines on building techniques and materials that are designed to provide acoustical insulation benefits. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Local Government on 1/3.

Auto Dealerships

Bidding and State Contracting Practices

Building Materials, including Stone, Sand Gravel

DUI Legislation

Energy Conservation; Energy Standards

HB 167 (Rep. Marzian) Encourage greater energy efficiency, conservation, and the use of renewable energy resources in order to promote energy independence and energy security; established targeted low-income weatherization programs; other provisions. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Tourism Development & Energy on 1/4.

HB 246 (Rep. Adkins)(28 co-sponsors). Relating to the promotion of alternative energy, expand the types of alternative and renewable energy eligible for incentives. KBT Position: Monitor. To Tourism Development and Energy Committee on 1/12; passed favorably from Committee on 1/26; to House Floor.

Fuels, Including All Transportation Fuels

HB 245 (Rep. Hall) Establish a tax credit for individuals who convert or retrofit vehicles to run on LNG or CNG; also establish tax credit for individuals who purchase new vehicles that do so. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Approp. & Revenue on 1/11.

Highways, Streets & Bridges

Leases and Leasing Practices

SB 65 (Sen. Jensen) Provide that leases of motor vehicles or trailers which contain a terminal rental clause do not become or convert into sales contracts. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/4

License Plates, Operator's Licenses and Vehicle Registrations

SB 46 (Sen. Schickel) Permit a veteran to request, at the time of application, that a personal identification card or operator's license bear a designation denoting the applicant's status as a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate- Transportation on 1/3.

SB 53 (Sen. Palmer) Direct KYTC to establish special NASCAR themed license plates; allow KYTC to enter into licensing agreement with NASCAR; direct that EF fees for NASCAR plates to be distributed to local health departments, in accordance with the number of plates issued in each county; set state fee for plate at $32 and EF fee at $10. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 95 (Rep. Steele) Permit a veteran to request, at the time of application, that a personal identification card or operator's license bear a designation denoting the applicant is a veteran.KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Safety on 1/3.

HB 105 (Rep. Butler) Require the design of the Purple Heart license plate include a picture of the Purple Heart medal and the words "Combat Wounded". KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety.

HB 194 (Rep. S. Lee) Permit a veteran, at the time of application or renewal, to request an operator's license bear a designation that the applicant is a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/5

HB 195 (Rep. S. Lee) Require that an applicant for initial title and registration of a motor vehicle present a valid Kentucky operator's license or other proof of U.S. citizenship. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/5.

HB 197 (Rep. Pullin) Establish a new effective date for the I Support Veterans special license plate; require manufacturing to being no later than June 12, 2012. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/5. Passed favorably out of Committee on 1/11; To House Floor. Passed House floor 99-0 on 1/18; To Senate - Transportation on 1/24.

HB 221 (Rep. Nelson) (42 co-sponsors) Permit a veteran, at the time of application or renewal, that a personal identification card or license may denote applicant's status as a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/9. Passed favorably out of Committee on 1/24; To House Floor. Passed House floor vote 96-0 on 1/26.

HB 327 (Rep. Osborne) Allow renewal of an operator's license by mail for a license holder residing temporarily out of state while enrolled in full-time postsecondary educational institution. KBT Position: Monitor. Introduced on 1/26; not yet assigned to a Committee.

Public Transit

Rail and Railroads

HR 14 (Rep. Nelson) Urge CSX officials to require the maintenance of all CSX railroad crossings located in the Commonwealth. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HR 85 (Rep. Nelson) Urge corporate railroad officials to require the maintenance of all railroad crossings located in the Commonwealth. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation Committee on 1/20; passed favorably out Committee on 1/24; To Consent Calendar To House Floor; potentially posted for passage on Tuesday, January 31.

Safety

SB 75 (Sen. Winters)(7 co-sponsors) Allow slow-moving, motor-less vehicles operating at night to use markings of reflective tape, rather than using the slow-moving vehicle emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/5. Passed favorably out of Committee on 1/25; To Rules Committee, add amendment to declare an emergency;

HB 30 (Rep. Mills) (8 co-sponsors) Allow local school boards to sell advertising on school buses; prohibit certain types of advertising; require annual reporting. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Education on 1/3; Posted in Committee on 1/5; Voted Favorably out of Committee on 1/10 to House floor. Passed House 67 to 29 on 1/18; to Senate; to Senate- Education Committee on 1/24.

HB 64 (Rep. Keene) Expand instances to allow ignition interlock devices be installed, including driving the wrong way on a four-lane highway; establish an ignition interlock assistance fund operated by KYTC for indigent offenders. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Judiciary on 1/3.

HB 86 (Rep. Embry) Add "mini-trucks" to the definition of motor vehicles; permit mini-trucks on public roadways with a posted speed limit of 45 MPH or less; require operators/owners of mini-trucks to comply with insurance, title and registration and useage tax requirements as motor vehicle. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 114 (Rep. Crimm) Provide alternate lighting system for slow-moving, motor-less vehicles operated at night; provide for marking motor-less vehicles with reflective tape rather than using the slow-moving emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 133 (Rep. Bell) Provide for a means of marking motor-less slow-moving vehicles with reflective tape rather than using the slow-moving vehicle emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 165 (Rep. Denham) Require motorists to illuminate headlights during any period of precipitation that necessitates the use of their windshield wipers. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/4. Passed favorably out of Committee on 1/24; To House floor; potentially vote on Monday, 1/30.

HB 184 (Rep. Meeks) Require that KYTC forward a copy of all uniform traffic citations issued to drivers under 18 years of age to the parent or guardian. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/4.

HB 199 (Rep. Butler) Require that information contained on a diabled parking placard be written on a tamper-evident sticker that is color coded based on the year in which the placard expires. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/5.

HB 283 (Rep. Harmon) relating to driving under the influence; restructure current four-tiered penalty structure to a three-tier penalty structure; expand the five-year look back window for prior offenses to a ten-year look back. KBT Position: Support. To House- Judiciary Committee on 1/20.

HB 328 (Rep. R. Adams) Allow person who has received an intermediate operator's license to apply for a motorcycle instruction permit; make motorcycle instruction permit good for 1 year with ability to renew the permit one time; allow person with expired motorcycle instruction permit to apply for motorcycle operators license if the person can present proof of successful completion of motorcycle safety education course. KBT Position: Support. Introduced on 1/26; not yet assigned to a Committee.

State Tax Code / Transportation Budget Bills/ Road Fund

HB 46 (Rep. Nemes) Allow for local option election for expanded gaming, not held on primary and regular election days; establish commission for as agency to solicit bids for casino gaming; establish procedure for evaluating bids for full casinos. KBT Position: Support. To House - Licensing & Occupations on 1/3.

HB 120 (Rep. Farmer) Make trade-in allowance permanent for motor vehicles purchased on or after 10/1/2012; amend tax code to expand sales and use tax to include selected services; lower sales and use tax rate; tax all pass-through entities at a flat rate of 2.5%; modify the tax rates for llc entities; decrease wholesale alcohol tax to 5.5 % from current rate of 11%. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Appropriations & Revenue on 1/3.

HB 140 (Rep. Keene) Create a new section of KRS 154A to require that local option elections for the approval of casino gaming in counties with population greater than 90,000 or in cities of the fourth class or greater; specify license fees and stipulate requirements for licensing. KBT Position: Support. To House - Licensing & Occupations on 1/3.

HB 266 (Rep. Rand) Provide appropriations and financing for the operators, maintenance, support and functioning of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. KBT Position: Monitor. To House- Appropriations & Revenue Committee on 1/18;

HB 267 (Rep. Rand) (5 co-sponsors) Establish the fiscal year 2012-2014 Biennial Highway Construction Plan; declare an emergency (bill becomes law upon the signature of the Governor)KBT Position: Monitor; To House - Appropriations & Revenue Committee on 1/18.

HB 277 (Rep. J. Richards) Require the Secretary of State to create a standard form, to be used by all local tax districts for the filing of returns of net profits, gross receipts and occupational license taxes. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Local Government Committee on 1/20.

Waterway

SB 83 (Sen. Palmer) Create a water vessel removal assistance fund to be administered by the Kentucky River Authority; require the Kentucky River Authority to establish criteria for when removal of abandoned water vessel is necessary. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/9.

HB 93 (Rep. Gregory) Clarify that the Rules of the Road for personal watercraft are part of the Inland Navigation Rules and provide specific citation for those rules. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 154 (Rep. Bell) Allow for an alternative apportionment method to tax commercial watercraft if the statutory method does not adequately reflect the use of watercraft by a company in this state. KBT Position: Support. To House - Appropriations & Revenue on 1/3.

SB 112 (Sen. McGaha) Relating to boating while under the influence; establish a new penalty scheme for boating while intoxicated; amend current statute to allow for arrest based on probable cause for boating while intoxicated. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Judiciary on 1/24.



Transportation News January 13, 2012

Dear Mr. President and the 112th Congress,

As the Congress embarks on a new legislative session beginning on Monday, January 23, the members of Kentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT) urge you to Make Transportation Job #1 in 2012.

We urge you to enact federal highway, public transit, federal aviation and safety legislation that, at a minimum, maintains current investment levels before the various short-term extensions expire in the coming months. The FAA reauthorization has been delayed since September 30, 2007. The SAFETEA-LU reauthorization has been delayed since September 30, 2009. Without question, KBT believes that these two major pieces of unfinished bi-partisan legislation can provide a real and meaningful boost to the U.S. economy, the Kentucky economy, and our citizens. Without question, these measures enjoy broad-based support.

To grow, the United States must invest. There are few federal programs that come even close to the positive economic impact provided by sustained, focused transportation infrastructure investment.

At KBT, we recognize there are challenges in finding the necessary resources to adequately fund these important transportation measures. However, with the powerful multiplying effect and economic opportunities that well-crafted measures could afford our economy, we believe it is time for all involved parties to come together and craft final legislation to deal with both the FAA and SAFETEA-LU.

At the end of 2011, we were distinctly encouraged by ALL political leaders --Republican and Democrat, House and Senate, and the Administration - because ALL stated that passage of these transportation measures was important for job creation and economic recovery.

With respect, we urge you to follow your words of 2011 with action in 2012: Make Transportation Job #1 and move legislation in the House and Senate to invest in aviation, roads, bridges, and public transit in Kentucky, and the nation.

These transportation systems are the very backbone of the U.S. economy. It's time to invest, not spend.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at KBT

KBT New Member: ATC Associates, Inc.

This week, ATC Associates Inc. (former ATEC Associates) has joined KBT as its newest member!

ATC Associates Inc. has been providing consulting geotechnical engineering services in Kentucky and Indiana since its establishment over 50 years ago in Indianapolis, Indiana. Equally impressive, the Louisville, Kentucky office was established nearly 40 years ago. Over this extensive period of time, ATC Associates has performed engineering analyses, soil and bedrock test drilling, laboratory testing of soils and bedrock samples, and have developed reliable criteria for use in design and construction of earth related aspects of hundreds of highway projects, not to mention literally thousands of private and other public works projects.

ATC Associates has nine geotechnical engineers in their Kentucky and Indiana offices who are registered professionals. Together, they operate four drill crews/rigs that include truck-mounted drill rigs, two track-mounted all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) drill rig, a rubber tire ATV drill rig, a skid-mounted drill rig, and a floating platform (barge) mounted drill rig for projects that might require test drilling on non-navigable waterways.

Our KBT contact at ATC Associates Inc will be their chief geotechnical engineer and Louisville Office manager, Mark J. Schuhmann P.E. Mark has been practicing geotechnical engineering in Kentucky for more than 33 years. Mark has served as the Project Manager on several large highway geotechnical projects for KYTC, including the widening and stabilization of KY Highway 9 along the Licking River in Northern Kentucky; evaluation of options to stabilize U.S. 42 along a section of the road adjacent to the Ohio River between the Markland Dam and Warsaw, Kentucky. ATC is currently working with INDOT on the new I-69 corridor and on the Ohio River Bridges Project in Jeffersonville.

You may reach Mark Schuhmann at mark.schuhmann@atcassociates.com

Welcome ATC Associates as our newest KBT member!



Norfolk Southern To Hire Thousands of Workers In Kentucky

(While we admit that we are tad bit late in reporting this story, its impact to Kentucky's economy in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati region could be HUGE).

In mid-December, 2011, Norfolk Southern (NS), a Class I railroad, held a job fair in Erlanger in an effort to hire over 2,000 employees at a recruiting session. The job fair was held at a Holiday Inn near the I-75 and I-71 Interstate.

Potential applicants were asked to arrive before 8:00 a.m., but the recruiting and information session technically began at 8:00 a.m.

The Virginia-based, national railroad is looking to fill a wide variety of rail positions, to meet the growing demand for freight rail service. In addition, the U.S. rail industry anticipates significant levels of retirements from existing employees, so they are seeking new replacement employees for the future retirees.

Whenever a U.S. railroad company holds these job fairs to recruit new employees, the competition is fierce.

Why?

Because U.S. railroad jobs pay family-wage and family-benefits. Moreover, they are jobs that will not be "outsourced" to China, India, or Mexico. NS said that applicants are being offered $47,000 for entry-level conductors, with eventual mandatory promotion to locomotive engineer, which will command annual salaries of $60,000 to $70,000, not including benefits.

Those who attended the job fair and passed the initial test stayed for personal interviews that lasted well into the afternoon.

NS Training Coordinator, Steve Guinn, says that NS needs for new employees will extend into 2012. "The anticipation of hiring 2,600 next year shows the continued growth and need for new employees," he said.

One applicant, Greg Jones, said that the intense competition in the hotel meeting room doesn't make the competition any easier. "When you're in there, you still get the nervous itch about it. You see a lot of people and wonder, if this is going to be the time for you. If not, apply again."

Road Funds At Risk In Some States; Not Ky.

According to an Associated Press story this week, one-third of the states in the U.S. are at risk of losing valuable federal funds because they may not have been able to meet an upcoming January 30 deadline for implementing new safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a federal mandate that would result in state losing 5% of their highway funds, if they fail to comply by the end of this month.

At issue is a requirement that states must require interstate truck drivers to provide proof from a medical professional that they are healthy enough to drive.

Neighboring Missouri, already in a dire financial situation, risks losing about $30 million in federal funding unless it changes state law. But Missouri is not the only state in jeopardy of missing the deadline. Officials in Kansas, Colorado and others told the Assocated Press that they will not be able to fully implement the federal requirement in time.

"Kentucky fully expects to meet the federal mandate," KYTC Spokesman Chuck Wolfe told KBT this week.

Kentucky's Office of Vehicle Regulation, which operates under the watchful eyes of Commissioner Tom Zawacki and Deputy Commissioner Rick Taylor, has been working on this issue for more than a year. That approach has paid dividends. They will be ready.

But the real proof-is-in-the-pudding when the regulated industry gives the Transportation Cabinet high marks.

"Kentucky is prepared and has implemented the changes," said Jamie Fipke, President of the Kentucky Motor Transport Association in Frankfort. "To my knowledge, no changes to the statutes were needed. Some of your trucking members need to be aware of the changes, because the new rules rely on the driver's reading of his mail, and taking some action," Fipke concluded.

Last Friday's Jobs Report: Improvement for Kentucky*

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly employment report last Friday morning, January 6, and it was one of the most favorable reports in quite some time!

Non-farm payrolls increased in all sectors, except government. For Kentucky interests, manufacturing and transportation and warehousing showed solid gains. Given the sluggishness in transportation hiring over the past year, last Friday's numbers are encouraging for transportation-intensive states, like Kentucky. Likewise, the healthy numbers in manufacturing will subsequently show up in positive short-term payroll growth for Kentucky!

Based on last Friday's report, we should begin to see the negative payroll growth for Kentucky reverse.

Kentucky should experience an expansion of non-farm payrolls. Likewise, Louisville Metro employment will continue to accelerate. In November 2011, economists viewed Louisville's manufacturing growth in 2012 with a question mark. Last Friday's report suggests that the nation may have moved past the slow-down in manufacturing. Hence, the outlook for the Louisville Metro now has a more upside potential.

Last Friday's report will continue to support consumer optimism, a time when there are certainly many reasons for consumers to be quite pessimistic. Housing continues to face challenges, and wage growth has been weak. To be sure, challenges in the economy remain. Slowing global growth will weigh on the U.S. recovery, and provide headwinds to overall growth. This is where domestic demand becomes critically important. Growing employment and reductions in the nation's unemployment rate will support domestic demand.

(*Dr.Uric Dufrene, the Sanders Chair in Business at Indiana University Southeast provided these economic comments to KBT).

2012 Ky. General Assembly Starts Slowly..........
Today, Friday, January 13, should have been the ninth (9th) legislative day in the 60 day session of the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly.

The General Assembly did not meet today, because of inclement weather.

But, whoa! Let's be clear. The 2012 General Assembly will meet for 60 legislative days, which means that Saturdays and Sundays are not included, and the 100 members of the House and 38 members of the Senate will be in session in Frankfort until early April, likely April 9, 10 or 11. The official schedule says that they will conclude on Monday, April 9, but snow days, and other unpredicted issues may "knock them off schedule".

Mark your calendar on this coming week for Governor Steve Beshear's Budget Address, which will be presented on Tuesday, January 17, from the Capitol Building in Frankfort, live. Watch his address on KET at 7:00 p.m. eastern, 6:00 p.m. central time.

There's a quirky change in 2012, too. Typically, the Governor's Budget Address is presented, and then 10 days later, the Governor submits his Road Plan to the General Assembly. That won't be the case in 2012. Instead, Governor Beshear will present his proposed Budget and the Road Plan on January 17, because the current budget law omitted the language for the "ten day lag" between the Budget Address and the submission of the Road Plan.

At this writing, some 73 Senate bills have been introduced, and some 65 Senate resolutions have been introduced. The House of Representatives always introduces more bills than the Senate, and so far this Session they have filed 210 House bills, and approximately 65 House resolutions.

At mid-week, Wednesday, January 11, the Kentucky House passed a tentative plan for redistricting both Kentucky State House districts and the Congressional legislative seats. Redistricting plans are required every decade, based on the results of the most recent U.S. Census. These redistricting bills are extremely difficult and partisan, evoking frustration and emotion from legislators who are normally "cool as a cucumber". It's too early to predict if this initial step will be subject to further negotiation.

It bears mentioning that with 9 legislative days consumed in the 2012 Session, the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee have yet to hold their first meeting. KBT believes this delay is largely out of respect to Governor Beshear....waiting for him to present his Budget Address and Road Plan on Tuesday, January 17.

Beginning this week, the very last article in the KBT Transportation News, will be a bill summary of legislation of interest to transportation advocates. We will present that bill summary in precisely the same format as we have for the 2010 and 2011 Sessions. If there is a particular bill of interest to your county, city, company or agency, call or e-mail us at KBT, and we will include it in the weekly update of 2012 Transportation bill status. Remember: information is power.

Eight days down. Fifty two days remain.



New York and Florida Lawmakers: Consider Gaming Bill

Voters in Florida could soon get the final say on whether or not Florida adopts expanded gaming in the Sunshine State. And to the north in the "Empire State" of New York, there are plans to build the nation's largest convention center, at the Aqueduct racetrack at Queens, where they already operate a "racino", a combination racetrack and gambling parlor, but not a full-fledged casino.

Like Kentucky, the Florida Legislature has just begun its annual two-month session, and lawmakers there are expected to face the difficult task of enacting a redistricting plan, while, at the same time, trying to devise new ways to plug a massive $2 billion revenue shortfall in their state budget.

Holy cow! A $2 billion shortfall? How does that compare with Kentucky's shortfall?

Well, it's generally agreed that the Kentucky revenue shortfall is somewhere between $300 million and $430 million for the next biennium, 2012-2014.

Florida's gaming advocates have introduced a bill which proposes to open the door to three large casinos. Bringing in high-end resort casinos will attract new tourists to Florida and create thousands of new jobs at a time when Florida's unemployment rate is above 10 percent.

In New York state, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is seeking a constitutional amendment to legalize casino gambling in the state as way to raise needed state revenue.

KBT has a long-standing Board-adopted position in support of expanded gaming in Kentucky. Kentucky's current revenue shortfalls force the Administration and legislators to divert important transportation funds into the General Fund, just to keep the General Fund in balance. This practice short changes Kentucky's future, because transportation investments today ---in all modes --- will make us more efficient and more productive.

Our Readers Write to Us.......

Former Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Calvin Grayson shared a thoughtful quote from a great American statesman, and U.S. Kentucky Senator Henry Clay, this past week. In doing so, he shared this insight:

Dear KBT ---

Maybe we should send this quotation to all our elected officials. We need more of them to be like Henry Clay!

"All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based.....Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weakness, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises."

-Henry Clay -

American Statesman and Orator

1777 - 1852

No KBT Transportation News Next Week!

Due to the 34th Kentucky Transportation Conference next week, January 19-20, 2012 at the Lexington Hyatt Regency, there will be no KBT Transportation News next week on Friday, January 20.

We will return on Friday, January 27, with news and photos from the 34th Annual Kentucky Transportation Conference, as well as with news you can use for transportation advocates.

See you then!

Bill Summary for 2012 Ky. General Assembly

Selected State Transportation Legislation

Selected State Transportation Legislation for KBT Members

(as of Thursday, January 12, 2012)

(Updated status of bills available at www.lrc.ky.gov)

Administrative

Airports

HB 124 (Rep. Wayne) Allow a planning unit to incorporate airport noise overlay districts within its zoning texts and maps; allow the planning unit to incorporate guidelines on building techniques and materials that are designed to provide acoustical insulation benefits. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Local Government on 1/3.

Auto Dealerships

Bidding and State Contracting Practices

Building Materials, including Stone, Sand Gravel

DUI Legislation

Energy Conservation; Energy Standards

HB 167 (Rep. Marzian) Encourage greater energy efficiency, conservation, and the use of renewable energy resources in order to promote energy independence and energy security; established targeted low-income weatherization programs; other provisions. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Tourism Development & Energy on 1/4.

Fuels, Including All Transportation Fuels

HB 245 (Rep. Hall) Establish a tax credit for individuals who convert or retrofit vehicles to run on LNG or CNG; also establish tax credit for individuals who purchase new vehicles that do so. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Approp. & Revenue on 1/11.

Highways, Streets & Bridges

Leases and Leasing Practices

SB 65 (Sen. Jensen) Provide that leases of motor vehicles or trailers which contain a terminal rental clause do not become or convert into sales contracts. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/4.

License Plates, Operator's Licenses and Vehicle Registrations

SB 46 (Sen. Schickel) Permit a veteran to request, at the time of application, that a personal identification card or operator's license bear a designation denoting the applicant's status as a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate- Transportation on 1/3.

SB 53 (Sen. Palmer) Direct KYTC to establish special NASCAR themed license plates; allow KYTC to enter into licensing agreement with NASCAR; direct that EF fees for NASCAR plates to be distributed to local health departments, in accordance with the number of plates issued in each county; set state fee for plate at $32 and EF fee at $10. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 95 (Rep. Steele) Permit a veteran to request, at the time of application, that a personal identification card or operator's license bear a designation denoting the applicant is a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Safety on 1/3.

HB 104 (Rep. Butler) Require the design of the Purple Heart license plate include a picture of the Purple Heart medal and the words "Combat Wounded". KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Safety on 1/3.

HB 194 (Rep. S. Lee) Permit a veteran, at the time of application or renewal, to request an operator's license bear a designation that the applicant is a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/5

HB 195 (Rep. S. Lee) Require that an applicant for initial title and registration of a motor vehicle present a valid Kentucky operator's license or other proof of U.S. citizenship. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/5.

HB 197 (Rep. Pullin) Establish a new effective date for the I Support Veterans special license plate; require manufacturing to being no later than June 12, 2012. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/5.

HB 221 (Rep. Nelson) (5 co-sponsors) Permit a veteran, at the time of application or renewal, that a personal identification card or license may denote applicant's status as a veteran. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety on 1/9.

Public Transit

Rail and Railroads

HR 14 (Rep. Nelson) Urge CSX officials to require the maintenance of all CSX railroad crossings located in the Commonwealth. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

Safety

SB 75 (Sen. Winters)(5 co-sponsors) Allow slow-moving, motor-less vehicles operating at night to use markings of reflective tape, rather than using the slow-moving vehicle emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/5.

HB 30 (Rep. Mills) (6 co-sponsors) Allow local school boards to sell advertising on school buses; prohibit certain types of advertising; require annual reporting. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Education on 1/3; Posted in Committee on 1/5; Voted Favorably out of Committee on 1/10 to House floor.

HB 64 (Rep. Keene) Expand instances to allow ignition interlock devices be installed, including driving the wrong way on a four-lane highway; establish an ignition interlock assistance fund operated by KYTC for indigent offenders. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Judiciary on 1/3.

HB 86 (Rep. Embry) Add "mini-trucks" to the definition of motor vehicles; permit mini-trucks on public roadways with a posted speed limit of 45 MPH or less; require operators/owners of mini-trucks to comply with insurance, title and registration and useage tax requirements as motor vehicle. KBT Position: Opposed. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 114 (Rep. Crimm) Provide alternate lighting system for slow-moving, motor-less vehicles operated at night; provide for marking motor-less vehicles with reflective tape rather than using the slow-moving emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 133 (Rep. Bell) Provide for a means of marking motor-less slow-moving vehicles with reflective tape rather than using the slow-moving vehicle emblem. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 165 (Rep. Denham) Require motorists to illuminate headlights during any period of precipitation that necessitates the use of their windshield wipers. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/4.

HB 184 (Rep. Meeks) Require that KYTC forward a copy of all uniform traffic citations issued to drivers under 18 years of age to the parent or guardian. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/4.

HB 199 (Rep. Butler) Require that information contained on a diabled parking placard be written on a tamper-evident sticker that is color coded based on the year in which the placard expires. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/5.

State Tax Code

HB 46 (Rep. Nemes) Allow for local option election for expanded gaming, not held on primary and regular election days; establish commission for an agency to solicit bids for casino gaming; establish procedure for evaluating bids for full casinos. KBT Position: Support. To House - Licensing & Occupations on 1/3.

HB 120 (Rep. Farmer) Make trade-in allowance permanent for motor vehicles purchased on or after 10/1/2012; amend tax code to expand sales and use tax to include selected services; lower sales and use tax rate; tax all pass-through entities at a flat rate of 2.5%; modify the tax rates for LLC entities; decrease wholesale alcohol tax to 5.5 % from current rate of 11%. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Appropriations & Revenue on 1/3.

HB 140 (Rep. Keene) Create a new section of KRS 154A to require that local option elections for the approval of casino gaming in counties with population greater than 90,000 or in cities of the fourth class or greater; specify license fees and stipulate requirements for licensing. KBT Position: Support. To House - Licensing & Occupations on 1/3.

Waterway

SB 83 (Sen. Palmer) Create a water vessel removal assistance fund to be administered by the Kentucky River Authority; require the Kentucky River Authority to establish criteria for when removal of abandoned water vessel is necessary. KBT Position: Monitor. To Senate - Transportation on 1/9.

HB 93 (Rep. Gregory) Clarify that the Rules of the Road for personal watercraft are part of the Inland Navigation Rules and provide specific citation for those rules. KBT Position: Monitor. To House - Transportation on 1/3.

HB 154 (Rep. Bell) Allow for an alternative apportionment method to tax commercial watercraft if the statutory method does not adequately reflect the use of watercraft by a company in this state. KBT Position: Support. To House - Appropriations & Revenue on 1/3.



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