Judge Gabbard Discusses (SHIFT) - Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow

 This past week I was called to a meeting at the Cumberland Valley Area Development District. The development district we are a part of is made up of Jackson, Clay, Rockcastle, Bell, Laurel, Knox, Whitley and Harlan Counties. We have several different committees that meet at the CVADD and deal with everything from economic development, water and wastewater projects, council on aging and independent living and transportation projects just to name a few. I am the current chairman of the transportation committee of the CVADD. We met to discuss SHIFT projects for our region last week. 

The Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow (SHIFT) is the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's data-driven, objective approach to compare capital improvement projects and prioritize limited transportation funds. SHIFT helps reduce overprogramming and provides a clear road map for construction in the coming years. The formula applies to all transportation funding that isn't prioritized by other means, such as maintenance work, local government projects and dedicated federal projects. 

SHIFT allows policy makers to see just how far down the priority list our limited dollars will go and which other projects could be funded if additional dollars were generated. This collaborative model uses measurable data to assess the need for and benefits of planned projects and compare them to each other. Projects are scored based on these seven key attributes: Safety, Economic Growth, Congestion, Benefit/Cost, Asset Management, Resiliency and Non-Motorized Mobility. Once a list is provided by KYTC, the Transportation Committee at the ADD's meet to sponsor projects so they can be reviewed and scored to hopefully gain funding. 

Jackson County had a lot of projects on the list to be considered for funding. The majority including Highway 421. 

In order for Jackson County to grow, these projects will need to be awarded funding to improve the current road system for the future. I am honored to serve as Chairmen on the committee that works towards funding these important projects. 

Have a blessed week