Public Works proposes shifting C‑fund allotment to accelerate planned dirt‑road paving projects

Public Works staff briefed the Public Works Committee on proposed adjustments to the county’s County Transportation Committee (C‑fund) plan to better match funding with a set of dirt‑road paving projects now in design.

The C‑fund program distributes state gas‑tax dollars to counties; Lexington receives roughly $7 million annually (the exact apportionment varies year to year), with about one‑third of the apportionment required to be spent on the state highway system. Derek (Public Works) said the county currently reserves $1 million annually for dirt‑road paving but that current project estimates (including turnkey design and construction) are closer to $1.4 million per mile. To deliver several near‑design projects over the next two to three years staff proposed increasing the dirt‑road allotment to $2.5 million while preserving roughly $2.5 million for asphalt maintenance.

Committee members asked for details on the petition list and how roads are selected. Public Works staff said the petition list holds more than 300 roads (more than 200 miles) and that the list includes older petitions submitted decades ago. Members discussed whether roads should be ranked by maintenance need, traffic, school bus service and resident interest and whether a clearer process is needed to update or remove long‑standing petitions. Staff agreed to distribute the transportation plan and to work with council members to identify local priorities and to consider a ranking approach to differentiate maintenance‑only roads from roads where full paving is warranted.

The committee discussed alternatives such as a graveling/rocking program where right‑of‑way and drainage easements are available; staff said gravel programs can extend short‑term access but asphalt provides longer‑term durability. The committee did not take a formal vote on the plan allocation at this meeting; staff will distribute the draft plan to council and solicit feedback.

Public Works also moved to executive session later in the meeting to discuss a contract negotiation regarding a drainage easement on Woodford Road; the committee returned with direction for staff to pursue a solution with the property owner and no votes were taken in open session.

Next steps: Public Works will circulate the draft C‑fund plan to county council, provide the petition‑list details and work with council members on prioritization and right‑of‑way issues; staff will explore gravel vs. paving tradeoffs where drainage easements exist.