Bluegrass Area Development District unveils $425K safe streets initiative with University of Kentucky

The Scott County Fiscal Court convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on road safety initiatives presented by Logan Hart from the Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD). The meeting began with Hart outlining the objectives of a federal grant awarded to the BGADD, aimed at developing a regional safety action plan for roadways across the district.

Hart explained that the grant, totaling approximately $425,000, is part of a larger project costing around $530,000, which includes a state match of $106,000. The funding is designated for a comprehensive analysis of crash data and the identification of hazardous roadways within Scott County. The project will involve collaboration with the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky, which will conduct a regional crash analysis to pinpoint roadways contributing to the majority of accidents.

The presentation highlighted five primary tasks associated with the project: conducting a regional crash analysis, identifying strategic safety projects, drafting a Vision Zero statement to commit to zero fatalities, engaging the public through surveys, and developing the final safety action plan. Hart emphasized the importance of local participation in the project, noting that community input is crucial for accurately identifying problem areas that may not be reflected in official crash data.

Hart also mentioned that the BGADD would provide training for local representatives who will assist in data collection and analysis. He encouraged the Fiscal Court to approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would allow for reimbursement of up to $13,500 to cover staff time and resources needed for the project.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Fiscal Court to consider the MOA, reinforcing the benefits of local involvement in enhancing roadway safety and ensuring that the final safety action plan reflects the specific needs of Scott County. The court's participation is seen as vital for the success of the initiative, which aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents in the region.