Issues of Interest

KBT Radio Messages Focus on Importance of Transportation

KBT is currently running a series of messages on WHAS Radio during primetime (6 a.m.- 9 a.m. / 4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.) to focus attention on the important role transportation plays in the economy. WHAS is the state’s only station with statewide reach.

The 15 second spots are:

* Kentucky’s future growth depends on its transportation system -- airports, highways, streets, public transit systems, railways and waterways. Kentucky needs a plan to more adequately maintain and improve these facilities. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Kentucky cannot compete in the global economy without good education and good transportation. To provide these programs, Kentucky must have a healthy General Fund and a healthy Road Fund. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Most airport development is federally funded, but state funds are important to maintain and improve a system to attract business and industry. Kentucky’s Aviation Economic Development Fund should be used for its intended purpose. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Making needed improvements to Kentucky's highways and bridges will save motorists time and money and enhance economic opportunity. The kind of transportation system Kentucky has shapes its future. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* The taxes you pay when you buy gasoline in Kentucky go to maintain and improve Kentucky's highways. By raising Kentucky's rate to the national average, it could make Kentucky's highways safer, more efficient and more attractive to new industry. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* The taxes you pay when you buy gasoline in Kentucky go to maintain and improve Kentucky's highways. When these funds are diverted to other government programs, highway maintenance and improvement is postponed. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Public transportation plays a critical role by providing access to jobs, education and medical services to society. Funding of public transportation is a shared federal, state and local responsibility. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Public transportation relieves congestion and contributes to clean air. Public transportation needs exist statewide in both rural and urban areas. Kentucky should get a better return on transit funds motorists send to Washington. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Rising fuel prices drive the need for rail freight transportation. State tax credits for freight rail improvements would spur private investment, producing public benefits that would far exceed the cost of the tax incentives. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Railroads provide energy and cost-effective transportation essential to keeping consumer prices low and aiding the nation’s participation in world trade. State tax credits for rail improvements would spur private investment while producing public benefits. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* The need is clear to invest in a sound waterway, proper upgrades and maintenance of Kentucky’s locks and dams and to ensure that its public and private ports have the resources they need. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

* Kentucky’s water transportation system to move high-bulk products at low cost, is critical to the nation’s ability to keep consumer prices low and to participate in world trade. Improvements are a vital part of the economic future of America. Visit Kentuckians for Better Transportation at KBTNet.org.!

Planning for the Future Health of Kentucky Transportation

“A sure sign of a successful and strong economy is a healthy transportation system--a system that is adequately maintained and funded to ensure sustainability. Vigilance and insightful planning will keep Kentucky heading in the right direction, according to Kentuckians for Better Transportation.”

The current issue of The Link discusses KBT’s history and current effort to make Kentucky a better place to live and work.
TheLink_PlanningforFutureHealthofKentuckyTransportation_.pdf

Bill Would Establish Infrastructure Authorities

Kentucky Senate President David Williams recently briefed the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation on a bill he has prefiled for the 2008 legislative session to establish public infrastructure authorities.

Senate Bill 7 (Bill Request 244) would provide a structure for local governments to form finance authorities to expedite the construction of major projects such as the Louisville and Brent Spence bridges. Williams said building the bridges sooner rather than later will save money and enhance economic development opportunity.

“Inflation, increasing numbers of projects, aging infrastructure, and the lack of a viable federal funding mechanism,” said Williams, “are causing a funding crisis. Alternative financing methods must be explored.”

Williams said the bill is "a first attempt at finding ways to address Kentucky's infrastructure needs while assuring that Kentucky's taxpayers do not pay a disproportionate share of costs on projects of regional and national importance." The bill applies only to Interstate or Interstate-type projects.

The bill provides that local governments could ask the Governor to create infrastructure authorities by executive order, which would require General Assembly approval.

Authorities would be empowered to undertake and operate large public infrastructure projects as provided by their charter. They would have seven members -- three appointed by the chief executive of the local government, subject to confirmation by the local legislative body, and four members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate.

Authorities would have the ability to issue revenue bonds to cover project costs; contract with public or private entities for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the project; accept federal, state, or local grants or appropriations; and, fix and periodically revise tolls.

Project costs could be paid by a combination of revenue bonds issued by the authority, state road funds, and federal funds. Debt service on bonds would be paid with toll revenues, rents or other agreements.

Williams said the bill does not preclude the state from undertaking projects in a traditional manner.

“As future federal funding is in question,” said Williams, “the only way we can move forward to intelligently approach transportation infrastructure is allow people closest to the projects to determine their needs and to act upon them.

“Kentucky is in a unique geographical location and should not have to bear the cost of bridging necessary north/south passageways.”