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Transportation Cabinet
Governor Ernie Fletcher Orders Comprehensive State Vehicle Study
Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today the first phase of an intensive review of the state’s vehicle fleet inventory. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will direct the effort to identify the most cost effective and efficient manner for managing the state’s fleet of vehicles.
“This process will provide us with a true assessment of the Commonwealth’s vehicle usage, which will help identify better fleet management strategies,” Governor Fletcher said.
“As my administration continues to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government, it is essential to have accurate accounting of all state vehicles so we can fully utilize our resources while ensuring added value to Kentucky taxpayers.”
One initial element of this multi-step initiative to better manage the vehicle fleet is to conduct physical inspections of each state vehicle. A complete inspection process has not been undertaken before.
“Past administrations have struggled with accountability of the state’s motor pool, and it is time to achieve a full visual and physical inspection,” Acting Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert said. “With her career in state government we welcome any input the State Auditor may want to provide in this inventory process.”
Excluding Kentucky State Police and university vehicles, Fleet Management is currently responsible for approximately 5,360 vehicles. Other state agency vehicles account for more than 1,600 additional vehicles.
Because it is responsible for the vast majority of state vehicles, Fleet Management leverages stronger negotiating positions on vehicle purchases, fuel purchases and maintenance costs. Upon completion of the inventory, all state vehicles with a gross weight of ¾ ton or less and all passenger vehicles will be centralized under the Division of Fleet Management.
Secretary Nighbert added, “With high fuel costs, vehicle maintenance costs and the overall cost of doing business, the fleet centralization is right the right thing to do.”
Over the past several months, the Division of Fleet Management has assumed responsibility for all Commerce Cabinet vehicles. The changes were made after Commerce Secretary Jim Host discovered more than a hundred state-owned vehicles in very poor condition and not safe for use. A few vehicles didn't’t have engines, and some were on blocks without tires and wheels.
Secretary Nighbert and Finance & Administration Cabinet Secretary Robbie Rudolph are also in the process of obtaining information regarding vehicles permanently assigned to individual employees.
“Governor Fletcher has directed us to find out where each vehicle is, who’s driving it and why,” Finance Secretary Robbie Rudolph said. And that’s what we’re going to do.”
The inventory begins next month and will be completed the end of June.
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