FRANKFORT, KY (February 16, 2005) –Governor Ernie Fletcher announces the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Cabinet) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement on January 24, 2005 with the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) Pilot Project. The purpose of the Pilot Project is to create a career pathway for qualified individuals to work in the transportation career clusters. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials made the announcement during a meeting of the Lincoln Trail ADD Board of Directors this afternoon in Elizabethtown.

"Today’s announcement shows our commitment to making state government more diverse, and create more opportunities for jobs and advancement for women, minorities, and the underemployed or unemployed within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I applaud the efforts by the Transportation Cabinet and Federal Highway Administration in taking this pro-active step," said Governor Ernie Fletcher.

"The Cabinet is very excited to partner with FHWA and Lincoln Trail Area Development District on this Pilot Project. This pilot project enhances the FHWA On-the-Job Training Program for women, minorities and under employed citizens in the state," said Maxwell Clay Bailey, Secretary, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The LTADD Pilot Project will provide twenty-two weeks of skilled training to forty program-eligible participants including any interested individuals, unemployed and/or low-income individuals that are interested in career opportunities. Tier Two and Tier Three of the LTADD Pilot Project will allow participants to pursue a career path in highway related fields.

The LTADD Pilot Project includes but is not limited to the following:

• recruitment and selection of participants;
• occupational skills assessment;
• OJT referral assistance;
• comprehensive skilled training for participants;
• employment referral for graduates;
• case management, e.g., monitoring and tracking progress of participants.

Upon completion of the LTADD Pilot Project, it is the Cabinet's goal that the OJT funding will be expanded to offer advanced specialized training levels. This endeavor will result in providing a well-trained work force in the highway construction industry, the Cabinet and Kentucky.

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