The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says Alternate 1, the preferred alignment for the new 4-lane, runs just south of the existing U.S. 60 from the end of the 4-lane near the Ballard-McCracken County line extending westward to the Humphrey Creek Bridge, a distance of about 6.8 miles.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat says the agency is offering the public an opportunity to view displays online, then provide comments to the project management team.
“We’ve held several public meetings on this project to promote public input,” Poat said. “We are prepared to work out plans for a virtual meeting, or maybe conduct a meeting in smaller groups by appointment if requested. However, we think we can glean an equal amount of public input from citizens on the preferred alignment via written comments, or by talking with individual property owners along the corridor.”
The purpose of the project is to improve mobility, connectivity, and safety along the U.S. 60 corridor in eastern Ballard County. The online displays provide citizens the opportunity to review the preferred alternate, then present questions or comments to the project team by phone or in writing.
An environmental assessment for the project is available for public review and comment on the KYTC District 1 web page.
“We think the public can be served by offering an opportunity to review the displays online, then provide feedback in writing or by phone,” Poat added. “During the normal public comment process, the written comments provided by mail or submitted at the public meetings are our prime source of public input. Presenting the displays via the internet is just another way of encouraging that input.”
Property owners and nearby residents who have questions and comments regarding the reconstruction of U.S. 60 in eastern Ballard County may contact project manager Chris Kuntz at 501 Kentucky Dam Road Paducah, KY 42003. They may also call him at 270-898-2431, or email him at Chris.Kuntz@ky.gov
Members of the project team can be available by appointment to share the displays with citizens who are unable to view the online presentation.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is also providing the public an opportunity to request a public hearing to discuss the proposed impacts of the project. Any interested person may request a public hearing for the project to discuss the environmental impacts of the proposed design. Comments on the Environmental Assessment and any requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing by Tuesday, June 30 to the Kuntz.
All written and oral comments received will become a part of the official record for the project. Official records will be made available for review and copying only after an Open Records Request has been received and approved. All Open Records Requests must be submitted to the Office of Legal Services, Transportation Cabinet Office Building, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622.
On the Net:
KYTC District 1 Web Page
