Tagged: transportation

An Illinois House committee has approved additional funding for state programs in a plan that takes advantage of new money for road building and shifts the savings from a closed prison to child-welfare services. The Executive Committee voted Monday to send the measure to the House floor. Transportation advocates want quick action on a $675 million addition to transit-construction plans so that more concrete can be laid this spring.

Governor Steve Beshear is expected to be in western Kentucky next week to make an announcement regarding speed changes on sections of KY 68/80. Kentucky Transportation spokesman Keith Todd says a press conference is tentatively set for Tuesday in Christian County.

A ramp that connects Purchase Parkway to I-24 west bound remains closed following a semi crash this afternoon. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says the roadway will likely reopen around seven tonight. To detour the crash site, follow Purchase Parkway north one mile to US 62, then right on US 62 about two miles to connect with I-24 at Exit 27.

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment and Training reported Wednesday that the jobless rate for the state fell to 8.6 percent in March, from 8.7 percent in February. The rate was 1.1 percentage points below the March 2011 rate. The March numbers mark the ninth consecutive month the jobless rate has declined. The largest job gains were seen in transportation and utilities with an increase of 1,900 jobs, followed by the leisure and hospitality sector with 1,800. The manufacturing and construction sector both reported job losses in March.

The Kentucky House has tentatively scheduled floor votes today on a transportation budget and a prescription drug abuse bill.  Both measures passed out of House committees yesterday.  Once the House has finished, the Senate will review the measures intended to appropriate money for road construction projects and to curb overdose deaths from widespread prescription drug abuse in the state.  Lawmakers have been meeting in special legislative session since Monday at a cost of more than $60,000 a day.