Published: August 06, 2008 08:40 am            

Residents petition KY 92 be completed as designed

2,000 sign document presented to state

By Janie Slaven / McCreary County Record

WHITLEY CITY — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet field representative James Hoskins was in Whitley City last Wednesday to pick up petitions urging state officials to complete KY 92 on schedule as designed.

Hoskins had addressed members of McCreary County Fiscal Court in June, urging the community at large to show their support for the reconstruction of KY 92.

“It would help — not this year or next — but if you show some interest, they may come back and complete it as scheduled,” Hoskins said at the time.

The state highway plan as passed during the General Assembly was vetoed by Gov. Beshear, and the replacement has subsequently been challenged by Senate President David Williams. A contract for the “Whitley County” segment has already been awarded to London-based contractor Elmo Greer and Sons, Inc. but Hoskins noted that the state has tried to renegotiate in order to cut costs. The “McCreary” side will most likely be built, Hoskins had said, but not according to original plans.

Hoskins told the court in June the road would have fewer passing lanes and more narrow shoulders.

“It will be a nice road …not elaborate but adequate,” the field rep said. “They are not cutting out just because of McCreary County. It’s everywhere. The revenue’s just not there.”

Hoskins noted that part of the problem was the “design-build” process which was supposed to save the state money. What was originally figured at $58 million is now estimated at around $90 million, Hoskins said Wednesday.

Since the June fiscal court meeting, volunteers such as Edward “Toad” Murphy and Maxine Waters have been circulating the petition which was also available in some local businesses. Though the effort garnered more than 2,000 signatures, it accounts for only half of the original goal of 5,000. What’s more, a recent audience with the governor when he came to Somerset did not result in a big push for the highway.

But Hoskins pledged to Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips on Wednesday that he would submit the petitions directly to Gov. Beshear’s chief of staff. From there, it stands the best chance to be seen by the governor and Kentucky Transportation Secretary Joe Prather.

A segment in Whitley County is currently being blacktopped. Its completion would eliminate one of the curviest portions of the highway, which has long been considered a danger to those who travel it on a regular basis.

Phillips has long stressed the importance of an improved KY 92 to county industry and expressed his gratitude to everyone who has shown their support of the project.

“We hope the decision would be favorable to construct the road as planned,” he said.

        

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