Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) has compiled a 19-question survey they hope the public will utilize in assisting the state in determining transportation needs in each county across the state. The “Your Turn” survey will be available today through Feb. 25.

“The survey is a list of 19 questions concerning demographics, transportation needs and desires and funding options,” said KTC Information Officer Ryan Watts. “There is also a text box on the survey the public may feel free to insert their own opinion, or if they have any other suggestions other than what the survey covers, they can certainly include that.”

After all the surveys have been received Watts said they will compile all the responses and data received, which will help shape the transportation cabinet’s planning decisions for the next 20 years.

He said the purpose of the survey is three-fold:

• To consider changes in community’s freight movement, financial resources, economic development and highway safety, along with other issues, which are important to the community.
• To determine how future transportation improvements can be funded such as raising taxes, tolls and things such as that.
• And, to determine what issues should be considered when electing future transportation projects.

“This will not directly affect the six-year road plan,” said Watts. “It’s basically a tool for our planning vision to compile statistics and data, and then go to work compiling the data and tabulating to help make planning decisions based on that information. It’s a long-term document. I don’t know specifically how it will help each county, but it may identify the needs of Harlan County, which we aren’t aware of and we could possibly address in the future.”

The survey will be available in electronic and hard copy form in English and Spanish.

A link to the survey and other transportation information can be found by visiting www.transportation.ky.gov and clicking on the “Your Turn” survey link.

You may also access the survey directly at the link yourturn.transportation.ky.gov.

This direct link will also provide compiled survey results in late 2013 as well as other information throughout the update of this long range plan. You may also call 1-502-564-3419 weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to request a hard copy survey.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com