Fiscal Court February 18

Item III a: Transportation Improvement District (TID) Update/Report

Boone County has established Kentucky’s first Transportation Improvement District (TID), a significant step toward improving our local and state transportation infrastructure. Created by the Boone County Fiscal Court in February 2024, the TID is designed to identify, plan, and accelerate key transportation projects. TID projects are supposed to complete more quickly than at present.

How the TID Works:

• Identifies, plans, and builds transportation projects to improve the state’s infrastructure.
• Acquires, constructs, and manages properties and structures for these projects.
• Holds public hearings before recommending projects to the Fiscal Court.
• The Fiscal Court must approve all recommended projects before moving forward.

Why the TID Was Created?

The Kentucky General Assembly has recognized that transportation improvements are essential to the state’s economic growth, public safety, and overall well-being. TIDs are designed to promote industry, commerce, and research activity by streamlining infrastructure projects.

Since its formation, the Boone County TID has:

• Elected officers, adopted by-laws, and secured an IRS ID number.
• Established working capital to begin operations.
• Begun managing its first major project: (Item VII i) Turn Lane Improvements on KY-14 and Walt Ryan Way in Verona.

Why the Turn Lane Improvements on KY-14 at Walt Ryan Way Matters:

• Addresses safety concerns for school traffic and park access.
• Supports Walton-Verona High School’s wish to build a new campus at this location, ensuring safer roads for student drivers.
• Boone County’s involvement allows the project to move faster and more cost-effectively than under the traditional state process.
• This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate Boone County’s ability to efficiently manage state transportation projects, potentially leading to more local control over future initiatives.

Financial Considerations and Next Steps: The project is budgeted at $1.6 million and TID is working to secure timely contractor payments while awaiting state reimbursement.

Public Transparency : The TID will hold public hearings and advertise project hearings at least 15 days in advance via the county website and other channels. Weekly email that goes out to Boone County citizens was also recommended. Commissioner Hand has emphasized the need for weekly updates and broad public outreach to keep the community informed. First Public Hearing is February 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the Fiscal Court.

Congratulations to Boone County New Appointments:

• Daniel Degenhardt, Engineering Services Specialists for the Public Works Department
• Josiah Turner, Telecommunications (dispatcher) for the Public Safety Communication Center. This position takes eight months to train. Currently down eight dispatchers but not impacting the community. Need solutions to hire more and work with potential new hires while awaiting all testing results.
• Shawn Pickering, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager for Boone County Golf Courses

The court also authorized appointment of seasonal staff for the Parks Department and Boone County Golf Courses. They are getting ready for spring grounds crew, pro shop and concessions.

Other Financial and Contractual Business

• VII d: FedEx has met all its obligations on the bond.
• VII e: Catlett Construction has won the bid for the security gate at the Boone County Justice Center. It will be a six-foot sliding gate. Gate is needed for the security of Boone County judges.
• VII f: Awarded bid for the design of the Verona salt storage facility to Ryan Landcare, LLC. Having this facility will help in time management during snow removal. Currently loading all salt in Burlington.

New Business:

• Commissioner Flaig received calls on slick spots on Hwy 20 and in front of the Lutheran Church. Issue of slick spots need to be investigated.
• Public Information Gathering, February 20, First Church of Christ, Union Campus. Topic: Boone County and State of Kentucky considering switching responsibility for maintenance and improvements for Hicks Pike (now Boone County) and Chambers Rd (now State of Kentucky). KYTC Branch Manager, Project Development, is expected to attend.