Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

The meeting included a roll call and introductions. The commission addressed multiple applications for permits to construct or alter structures within the commission's jurisdiction, focusing on telecommunications towers and other constructions near various airports. Specific attention was given to the potential impact on air navigation and compliance with FAA regulations. One project was cancelled and another was deferred to the June meeting.

Kentucky's 2020-2024 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) aims to enhance the lives of those who use Kentucky's transportation system by preventing crashes that result in deaths and serious injuries. The plan's mission is to improve highway safety in Kentucky, ensuring that every person arrives at their destination unharmed. The goal is to reduce the annual number of deaths to 500 or below by 2024 through coordinated efforts of state, federal, and local agencies, as well as highway safety advocates. The plan focuses on strategic opportunities to prevent deaths and serious injuries on Kentucky's roadways, addressing human factors, roadway user safety, and road location of crashes. Key emphasis areas include aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, roadway departure, and vulnerable road users. The SHSP is guided by the Governor's Executive Committee on Highway Safety (GECHS) and implemented through strategies related to education, emergency medical services, enforcement, and engineering.

The meeting covered applications for permits to construct or alter structures, including telecommunications towers and light poles, near various airports. Approvals were granted for several projects pending FAA ASN of No Hazard to Air Navigation. One application was withdrawn, and another was recommended for disapproval due to exceeding the Approach Surface. The commission also discussed an old business item related to a telecommunications tower near Bluegrass Airport, which was deferred until the next meeting.

The 2025-2029 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) aims to improve highway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries on Kentucky roadways. The plan adopts a Safe System Approach, emphasizing shared responsibility and proactive safety measures. Key areas of focus include aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, vulnerable road users, motorcyclists, commercial motor vehicles, and older drivers. The plan sets an interim goal of reducing annual highway deaths to 500 or fewer by 2029, with an ultimate goal of zero deaths and serious injuries.

The Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission meeting addressed several applications for permits to construct or alter structures within the commission's jurisdiction. Approvals were granted for telecommunications towers near various airports, including Barkley Regional Airport, Cynthiana-Harrison County Airport, Leitchfield-Grayson County Airport, KY Dam State Park Airport, and Pike County -- Hatcher Field Airport, with some approvals pending FAA determinations. Additionally, a house construction near Georgetown-Scott County Regional Airport and a chimney stack near Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport were approved, subject to FAA approval. A runway extension was proposed for Tucker-Guthrie Airport. Decisions on some applications were deferred due to potential impacts on airport operations or pending further review.