Why are US-Taxpayers going to be Funding Equipment for Mexican Trucks?

Posted on March 12, 2011 by

Obama opens the border, defies unions and truckers, and ignores Congress on the ever-so controversial cross-border issue with Mexico. Obama also, screws the American tax payers too, as in the deal with Mexico that he agreed to has Americans paying for the Electronic On-board Recorders for the Mexican trucks. Why?

I’m not much on democrats or liberals or RINOs but I am glad that Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit – at least seems to be looking out for American Truckers, and taxpayers. He sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood requesting additional details regarding the proposed pilot program the U.S. is negotiating with Mexican officials.

The pilot would allow Mexican trucks to operate on U.S. highways beyond the current border commercial zone (25 miles) and it would allow Mexican carriers to obtain permanent operating authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) after only 18 months in the pilot program – as long as they don’t receive any safety violations. That permanent authority would not be rescinded were Congress or the Administration to terminate the Mexican truck pilot program. DeFazio questions the legal authority of DOT to implement a permanent program.

I request that you provide me with a written justification of how DOT’s planned program complies with the requirements for pilot programs under section 31315 of title 49, United States Code, as well as various appropriations provisions related to cross border trucking. I also ask that you provide me with the specific legal authority the Department relies on to expend Highway Trust Fund dollars to implement the pilot program and to purchase equipment to be used and retained by Mexican carriers.

This is probably under the “legal authority” of “the anointed one” as Sean Hannity would say.

In addition, DeFazio strongly opposes a proposal to use scarce Highway Trust Fund dollars to pay for the Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBR) for Mexican trucks in the program. This proposal would require American taxpayers to subsidize Mexican truck compliance with American safety standards and regulations. This is simply unacceptable.

This is only unacceptable to people who have a brain and know how to use it – Obama and Lahood through many failed schemes have proven time after time that they obviously are not playing with a full deck.

“As I have said before, three issues must be addressed in the cross-border trucking program: safety, security and job loss,” DeFazio said. “I appreciate the Administration’s attempt to address the very serious safety and security concerns surrounding Mexican trucks, and I am glad we are beginning to address the extortionate Mexican tariffs unfairly slapped on American goods.” This should have been done two years ago by United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, when Mexico first placed the illegal tariffs.

DeFazio continued saying, “However, taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the Mexican trucking industry to comply with American safety standards. It is outrageous that we would spend tax dollars to pay for equipment on Mexican trucks; equipment which either the Mexican government or the Mexican carriers themselves should be required to pay.” Exactly! DeFazio truly gets it. While sadly, Obama and LaHood miss it again.

DeFazio also pointed out. Furthermore, carriers who participated in the pilot program DOT launched in 2007 will get credit for the number of months they operated in the U.S. when they re-apply under this new program. This means that some carriers would receive permanent authority almost immediately.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has said the final agreement to end a two-year-old trucking dispute with Mexico “should be weeks, if not days” away. Why is this administration so up on shoving things through so fast? Maybe, it is because of the “shady” deals they try all the time. Which I might mention have all failed since Obama was placed on his pedestal.

DeFazio went onto explain, “I strongly support the requirement that Mexican carriers use EOBRs to demonstrate compliance with hours of service laws, particularly since Mexico does not hold its drivers to the same stringent hours of service standards that apply to U.S. carriers. However, it is outrageous that U.S. truckers, through the fuel tax, will subsidize the cost of doing business for these Mexican carriers.”

Everyone needs to call your senators and representatives and demand them to kill this deal now. You can call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 provide the operator with your home zip code and they will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

If you as a US truck-driver value your job then you must contact your Senators and Representatives and explain to them why this is not a good idea. It is ironic that the DOT is always talking about how their number one priority is Safety – then they do this.

Anne Ferro: ”This is Why US-Taxpayers and American Truck Drivers need to Foot The Bill for EOBRs for Mexican Trucks”

Source:
DEFAZIO QUESTIONS SO-CALLED MEXICAN TRUCK “PILOT” PROGRAM

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Diversity Suppliers and Women In Trucking by Ellen Voie

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

About a year ago, we received a phone call from a construction company at the Women In Trucking headquarters. The (male) caller asked if we had any trucks available. I explained that we were a nonprofit association with no assets but we had members who owned trucks. He said he was required to hire women and minority owned businesses for his road construction business and was desperate to find any women owned companies with dump trucks.

Fortunately for us and our member, we had a corporate (female) member who owned a fleet of dump trucks and operated in his area, so, we matched them and helped both companies in the process.

Since then, we have been contacted by numerous shippers and logistics companies who are looking for suppliers to meet their diversity goals. Some of these companies have diversity requirements imposed on them from the government if they are working on publicly funded projects.

Some companies implement their own diversity requirements because they want to be socially responsible. Pepsi-Co’s supplier diversity efforts are based on a mission, “to purchase from a supplier base representative of our employees, consumers, retail customers and communities.”

Regardless of the reason for pursuing a more diverse supplier base, shippers are searching for women, minorities and disadvantaged businesses to provide their transportation needs.

Because of this, the Women In Trucking Association is working to match women owned businesses, or certified WBE’s (Women Business Enterprises) with shippers and logistics companies who value a diverse supplier network.

Recently we reached out to our corporate members with the goal of identifying businesses that could be classified as WBEs. These are companies that have more than fifty-one percent ownership by a woman or women who is/are active in the day-to-day operations of the business and holds the highest office in the company. While there are many husband-wife teams who operate one truck, they must demonstrate that the wife does at least half of the work required to run the operations.

Merely by being identified as a woman owned business does not provide the authenticity and verification to shippers who are looking to fulfill diversity needs. The business must then go through a certification process to confirm that the company meets the requirements of majority owned and controlled by one or more women.

There are different types of certification a company can acquire, and for women there are two large nonprofit organizations that will help you through this WBE process. The National Women Business Owners Corporation (nwboc.org) was the first certification program for women, established in 1995. Over 700 public and private sector individuals participated in establishing their entire process, a project sponsored by IBM. The other national organization is the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (wbenc.org). There are also state and local certification programs available, depending on the type of government entity with whom you are working.

Because of the need for meeting diversity goals, Women In Trucking will be working with NWBOC to help our members identify and certify their companies as WBEs. This database will then be provided to buyers and supplier diversity managers who have procurement opportunities to offer.

The process is not difficult, but does take some time to complete, as the certifying body must verify that the company is truly a WBE and not just seeking this designation to unfairly compete for business. Why should you consider becoming a WBE? The NWBOC website offers this advice:

Women business owners say that WBE Certification is important to them because it adds credibility to their company, as well as being part of their business development strategy. Certification that a business is owned by a woman is required if you wish to participate in programs which require utilization and tracking of woman-owned businesses.

What is required to become certified as a WBE? Again, here is information from the NWBOC website:

WBE Certification is obtained by applying for it and meeting the criteria. The application requirements include detailed information supplied by the business owner and copies of business documents. Once the application and supporting documentation is received, it is reviewed by the certifying entity. Final steps in the application process include a personal visit to the applicant’s place of business. NWBOC has enlisted only the highest qualified, independent individuals to review your application and make site visits. In addition, all reviewers and site visitors have been thoroughly trained by NWBOC.

Helping women become WBE and secure additional work through this effort is our goal. Our mission includes the quest to remove obstacles that might keep women from succeeding in the trucking industry, and leveling the playing field through certification will help us (and you!) meet this goal.

Visit www.womenintrucking.org for more information and to become a member.

© 2011, Truck Drivers News Blog. All rights reserved.

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More Details on the Cross Border Trucking Deal with Mexico

Posted on March 9, 2011 by

Obama opens border, defies unions, and ignores Congress on the controversial cross-border issue with Mexico. Mexican officials are revealing more details on the recent agreement between Obama and Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon. This should be good!

In 1995 the US and Mexico started a pilot program to allow Mexican trucks to travel throughout the US delivering loads brought in from Mexico. The US trucks were allowed to do the same in Mexico, but safety and security concerns spurred the United States to bar Mexican trucks on U.S. roadways. 16 years later the safety and security concerns still exist, but Obama agreed to allow the Mexican trucks back into the US.

Obama signed a 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which included a provision to end the Department of Transportation’s trucking project with Mexico. In retaliation the Mexican government placed illegally $2.5 billion in tariffs on a variety of U.S. goods. But, sadly our government even though repeatedly being told to investigate these so-called tariffs refused and whimpered-out and paid the tariffs.

This time around the authorizations to allow the Mexican trucks onto the US highways will be permanent. Also, the prior pilot program only allowed 100 Mexican carriers to do business beyond the border zone in the United States. This time around the program has no limit on the carriers or number of trucks to be allowed into the US – provided they can pass an inspection of their trucks and the accreditation of their operators.

“Unlike the failed pilot program, under the new plan there will be no limit to the number of companies who can participate and the trucks they can register for cross-border transport,” said Dionisio Perez-Jacome, Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Minister.

This will happen in three stages:

  • The first stage will be the application and inspection of the Mexican trucks and the accreditation of their operators.
  • The second stage starts with a three-month period of thorough inspections of the vehicles crossing the border, checks that will decrease starting the fourth month.
  • The final stage involves the Mexican companies being notified of their permanent authorization, which can be granted after 18 months of successful operations. This authorization can only be revoked if a safety regulation is broken.

    • The United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood along with Obama “tout” that this new cross-border trucking plan with Mexico is going to create jobs. But, it does not take a genius to see that by allowing Mexican trucks into the US will cut jobs.

    Currently, three trucks and three drivers are used to get goods across the border, Ferrari said. It comes out to about $150 per crossing. Multiplied by the 4.5 million annual truck crossings, the savings generated could exceed $675 million, said Mexican Economy Minister Bruno Ferrari.

    Steve Russell, chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Celadon Group Inc., which serves the U.S., Canada and Mexico said, “The theory behind cross-border trucking is that one tractor would replace three.” in a recent article. I know my math is not perfect, but that looks like it will remove jobs from the trucking industry in both countries.

    So again, will someone from Obama’s administration please explain to me how this creates jobs for Americans?

    Here is a kicker, Mexico reserves the right to re-introduce its illegal tariffs if any parts of the agreement are violated by the United States. Strong arm tatics, and the US does not have the guts to stand up to them.

    The fact that a cross-border program is in any stage of development does not sit well with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) leadership. “With all the talk about the need for every initiative to create jobs, it’s absolutely shocking,” said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer. “The only jobs this ill-conceived idea can create are for non-citizens who will take jobs away from U.S. citizens.”

    Coupled with the fact that the program would threaten U.S. trucking jobs, Spencer is equally concerned about the safety and security of truckers and U.S. highway users alike. “It’s a pipe dream that the safety and security issues can be resolved, given the general state of disarray or war that exists in Mexico,” he said.

    So guess what needs to be done now! Yes, that’s right get on the phones and call your senators and representatives and demand them to kill this deal now. You can call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 provide the operator with your home zip code and they will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

    If you as a US truck-driver value your job then you must contact your Senators and Representatives and explain to them why this is not a good idea. It is ironic that the DOT is always talking about how their number one priority is Safety – then they do this.

    One more piece of good news to you is that a Department of Transportation official speaking on background confirmed that under the plan, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require Mexican trucks to use electronic on-board recorders as part of their satellite tracking systems.

    The systems will be paid for by FMCSA to ensure that the agency will own and control all the data they gather, the spokesman said.

    Where does the FMCSA get its money from? You, the tax payer! Not only are you getting screwed for the jobs that will be lost – or the safety issues on the highways – but you get to pay to track these trucks.

    © 2011, Truck Drivers News Blog. All rights reserved.

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Truckers: Be heard on the proposed HOS changes

Posted on March 4, 2011 by

I’m known as the king of a few things. The Evil Overlord calls me the King of Cheese. I’m guessing it’s because of my love of Sharp Cheddar. Yea. That’s gotta be it. I’m also the King of Justification. With enough thought, I can make any of my stupid decisions seem like absolute brilliance. The third is the King of Procrastination. I can usually find a good reason to put just about anything off until the last second.

Well, today I’m proud to say that I overcame my procrastinating tendency. Instead of waiting until the last day to submit my comments on the proposed HOS (Hours of Service) changes, I waited until the next to the last day. Yes, I know… I rule. So have you let yourself be heard yet? If you haven’t, tomorrow (March 4th) is the last day to get your sorry butt over to the FMCSA Web site to let them know how you feel. (UPDATE: The last day to comment has been extended to May 23)

When you reach the comment box, you’ll notice that there’s a 2000 character limit. In my typical blow-hard style, I hit the keys 1998 times. It was kinda like a giant Twitter text box. You always find yourself needing a few more characters than they give you. Too bad they didn’t have a HOS-longer feature.

Anyway, here’s what I had to say to the folks who are put on this earth to torment us truckers.

First of all, I think you should listen to the 122 Representatives that are trying to get you to abandon any changes to the current HOS rules. Fatalities caused by trucks are the lowest they’ve been in 60 years & the roads are safer.

Please leave the 11 hours of driving intact. The carriers have already shown that a new 10-hour limit would force them to put more trucks on the road to cover the same amount of freight. More trucks, more accidents. That’s the law of percentages.

The 14-hour rule is almost useless now. It’s not that often that we are delayed at a customer for 8 hours so we can extend the 14-hour day. Take today for example. I used 45 minutes for pre-trip inspection, fueling, and dropping/hooking a trailer at a customer. After I stopped to do a brief workout, eat, and shower, I had pretty much used up the 3 hours extra that the 14 hours provides.

If you change the rule to a hard 14 that can’t be extended with an 8-hour sleeper berth, it will be entirely useless. The main reason truckers bump up against the current 14 is because of long wait times at shippers and consignees. As you can see from above, I was nearly up against my 14 without any loading/unloading time. If I have to wait even 2 hours to get loaded, I now have to decide if I’m going to skip my workout and shower to make use of my full 11 hours of driving. I’ll probably be eating fast food too. How is any of that healthy for the driver?

Next up is the proposed change to the 34-hour rule. I wish here that the people who regulated our industry actually understood how trucking works. You may have a normal work day, but trucker’s bodies don’t abide by the circadian rhythm. We may drive all night on Monday and all day on Tuesday. We can’t control when we don’t have loads and therefore, we can’t specify when we need our 34 hours to start. The rule is useful as it stands. Change it and you may as well get rid of it all together.

I pray that you all think like truckers when you vote.

There you have it. It’s not perfect, but I think it gets the point across. And in so few words. Yet another reason to be proud of myself.

I’m asking everyone that reads this to head over and give the FMCSA a piece of your mind… even if you don’t have that many pieces to spare. And remember truckers, your truck always has a better chance of getting fixed correctly when you’re nice to the mechanic; so no cursing at the clueless rule-makers. Just don’t expect too much. Even if your truck gets fixed properly, you can always expect a big ol’ glob of grease on your driver’s seat. Some things will never change. Unlike our current Hours of Service I fear.

*Please give this post a rating and leave a comment (this means you too, @raysunshine77)*

 

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Anti Trucker Association – Pleased With Announcement of New US-Mexico Trucking Agreement

Posted on March 3, 2011 by

Who would have thought any differently?

I can’t figure ATA out, one day they are on the ball to helping the industry out.

Then the very next day they rejoin the ranks of the “ignorant” people in Washington – again.

It is very irritating to see them flip-flop back and forth like they do.

The American Trucking Associations said it supports the announcement of an agreement in principle between the governments of the United States and Mexico to implement the long-delayed cross-border trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

“ATA is pleased that Presidents Obama and Calderon and their administrations have worked through their differences and have put our two countries on the path to resolving this issue after nearly 16 years,” ATA President and CEO Bill P. Graves said following today’s announcement. “We hope this agreement will be a first step to increasing trade between our two countries, more than 70 percent of which crosses the border by truck.”

The agreement upholds previous requirements for Mexican trucks operating on U.S. highways, notably that Mexican fleets apply for and receive authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; demonstrate they meet the same safety standards as U.S. fleets and that those trucks are prohibited from hauling freight between destinations within the United States.

“When properly implemented, NAFTA’s trucking provisions should evolve to allow for a more efficient, safe and secure environment for cross-border operations between the U.S. and Mexico,” Graves said. “Ensuring a level playing field requires that both countries establish permitting and regulatory processes that are clear and transparent to ensure that carriers from both countries are treated equitably.”

“When properly implemented” – that is the key right there – we all know it won’t be – as it wasn’t done the right way before.

Mexico is the second largest export market for the United States. ATA is hopeful that the lifting of the retaliatory tariffs that were imposed after a previous cross-border trucking pilot program was abolished by Congress in 2009 will help the two countries resume more normal trading patterns and increase the flow of commerce between the two countries.

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Cross Border Trucking with Mexico – Deal Reached said Obama

Posted on March 3, 2011 by

Obama said the two nations had “found a clear path to resolving” the roadblock in relations.

Obama announced that US and Mexico had reached an agreement on Cross-Border trucking.

In a news conference with Mexico’s Felipe Calderon, Obama said the plan would now be taken to Congress.

So guess what needs to be done now! Yes, that’s right get on the phones and call your senators and representatives and demand them to kill this deal now. You can call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 provide the operator with your home zip code and they will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

US and Mexican trucks were previously authorized to cross their shared border under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, but the US has refused to allow Mexican trucks access amid concerns over their ability to meet US safety and environmental standards. They have admitted that they (Mexican Trucks) can’t pass the very strict EPA guidelines for trucks in the US.

The US trucking industry is strict on environmental issues that deal with exhaust from the US trucks. So strict that it put many owner-operators out of the trucking business, and caused many companies to have to renew their fleet of trucks to meet the standards also putting some companies out. Plus, it has also caused many states to impose very costly “No-Idling” laws for truck drivers – some without regard to the drivers rest necessities.

“Most trucks in Mexico, whether owned by U.S. companies or Mexican carriers, don’t meet the proposed air-quality requirements to cross the border,” said Salvador Saavedra, president of the automobile industry sector of the National Manufacturing Industry Chamber, a Mexico City business group.

Steve Russell, chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Celadon Group Inc., which serves the U.S., Canada and Mexico said, “The theory behind cross-border trucking is that one tractor would replace three.” in a recent article. I know my math is not perfect, but that looks like it will remove jobs from the trucking industry in both countries.

The fact that a cross-border program is in any stage of development does not sit well with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) leadership. “With all the talk about the need for every initiative to create jobs, it’s absolutely shocking,” said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer. “The only jobs this ill-conceived idea can create are for non-citizens who will take jobs away from U.S. citizens.”

Coupled with the fact that the program would threaten U.S. trucking jobs, Spencer is equally concerned about the safety and security of truckers and U.S. highway users alike. “It’s a pipe dream that the safety and security issues can be resolved, given the general state of disarray or war that exists in Mexico,” he said.

Obama’s intentions may have been for the good, but his failed attempts are putting the US deeper and deeper in debt. And now with this cross-border trucking plan coming into the picture – he is going to be putting you and me in danger on the roads. With fuel prices going up, and “CHEAP” labor being allowed into the US by way of Mexican truckers – who do you think these companies are going to want to hire to haul their freight? Expensive US truckers – or the “El-Cheapo trucking” company from Mexico.

© 2011, Truck Drivers News Blog. All rights reserved.

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Women In Trucking Offers Anti-Harassment Guidelines to Members

Posted on March 2, 2011 by

The Women In Trucking Association’s mission includes the need to address obstacles that might keep women from either considering joining or finding success within the trucking industry.

One of those obstacles includes harassment for professional drivers, especially in the area of training.

More women are earning their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs); the number of female trainers is not sufficient to accommodate the increase. Carriers must provide trainers without regard for gender to comply with federal equal opportunity requirements.

The Women In Trucking guide for employers in the trucking industry was prepared by J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. human resource professionals who are familiar with writing company policies for the trucking industry. The 30-page document begins with a definition of sexual harassment and offers suggestions in selecting, qualifying and working with trainers and their supervisors in understanding and avoiding complaints from trainees.

The manual suggests policies to recognize and handle concerns before they become complaints, but also provides procedures to report and handle harassment issues. Attachments include a general expectations agreement for both drivers to discuss and sign before heading out for training. It includes a sexual harassment policy and an opposite sex trainer-trainee arrangement form, in addition to other pertinent documents a carrier should consider.

“This best practices manual is the first document to address driver training matters specific to gender and anti-harassment concerns,” said Women In Trucking Association’s President/CEO, Ellen Voie. “By offering this policy manual free to our corporate members, we are adding value to their membership while helping them create an environment that encourages and supports the employment of women as professional drivers.”

Women In Trucking corporate members may request a copy of the policy manual by contacting Voie at .

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Bipartisan Group Calls For Abandonment of proposed HOS Changes

Posted on March 2, 2011 by

A bipartisan group of Congressmen and Senators have called on the Obama administration to abandon its hours-of-service proposal and retain the current, effective safety rules. Well, finally seems a few in Washington are waking up.

“The rules currently in place are working well and do not need to be changed,” 122 Representatives wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Since the current rules were implemented seven years ago, the trucking industry’s safety performance has improved at an unprecedented rate.”

The letter notes that since the rules went into effect in 2004, the number of fatal and injury crashes involving large trucks have fallen to historic lows, even as trucks hauling the nation’s food, fuel, medicine and other goods have driven almost 10 billion more miles.

“If the proposed changes are put in place, companies will be forced to increase the number of trucks on the road necessary for delivering the same amount of freight; adding to final product costs and increasing congestion on our nation’s highways,” a group of 23 Senators wrote in their letter to LaHood. This is all part of Obama’s scheme that high-speed rail is the answer to congested highways.

Lawmakers added that the proposed rules are much more opaque and complex than the current standards and “such complexity will only serve to hamper both industry compliance and motor carrier enforcement.” It is unbelievable that people in Washington have finally woken up. If they want to regulate, then make the rules simple and the same across the board.

“It is increasingly clear that this proposal is the result of political pressure and not a fair interpretation of trucking’s safety record,” American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves said. “ATA appreciates that some politicians are basing their views not on politics, but on the hard evidence that the current hours-of-service rules are working.”

© 2011, Truck Drivers News Blog. All rights reserved.

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Kansas – Motorcycles OK to Run Red Lights

Posted on February 23, 2011 by

Okay, so I thought I had heard all the ludicrous laws that these “lawmakers” could make.

I thought they would have learned by now, but below is an article that proves most of these “lawmakers” are asinine.

Now they just gave the “green-light” to wrongful death lawsuits that should never have went to court.

There will be thousands of these cases come up now.

Way to go Kansas for looking out for your citizens – what a STUPID IDEA!

Ever been itching to run a red light that just won’t change? Kansas lawmakers think motorcycle riders should be able to do just that.

The Kansas House on Tuesday approved a bill that would allow bikers to run a red light if the signal “fails” to turn green after a “reasonable period of time.” The proposal leaves the discretion in the hands of the motorcyclist, but is aimed at ensuring riders don’t get trapped in perpetuity at intersections because of signals that either malfunction or don’t detect the motorcycles.

Motorcycle riders testified this month that their bikes were often not big or heavy enough to trigger the sensors that cause red lights to switch. For fear that riders would have to choose between being stuck on the Kansas tundra or running a light and risking a ticket, they urged the legislature to approve the so-called “Dead Red” bill giving them a free pass. The riders testifying in support of the bill belonged to a group known as ABATE, or A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments.

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Transportation Cabinet has Scholarships for Future Engineers, Techs

Posted on February 23, 2011 by

If you’re a high school student in need of a great career, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has a job – and matching scholarships – just for you.

Each year, as many as 20 college scholarships are offered to students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering through accredited Kentucky universities. In addition, scholarships are available for those pursuing civil engineering technology degrees at two schools in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).

The competitive scholarships offer not only a way for students throughout Kentucky to pay for a higher education, but they also offer employment with the Transportation Cabinet upon completion of a degree.

To find out more about the scholarship opportunities, visit the cabinet’s Web site at www.transportation.ky.gov and click the education link.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP

For more than 60 years, the Transportation Cabinet has offered the Civil Engineering Scholarship Program to students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering at the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. The program also allows students of Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to take pre-engineering courses en route to a bachelor’s degree at one of the three larger universities.

Each year, the cabinet awards 10 to 20 new scholarships. To date, about 1,700 scholarships worth millions of dollars in financial aid to aspiring engineers have been awarded. There are 80 scholarship openings each year, which are filled with returning and new students. The scholarship’s total value is around $50,400 for four years of study.

Scholarship students agree to work for a year for the cabinet for every year they receive the award.

Applications must be submitted by March 1. For information, contact the cabinet’s scholarship program administrator, Jamie Bewley-Byrd, at (502) 564-3730, or e-mail at . The cabinet’s scholarship application, qualifications and guidelines can also be found online at www.transportation.ky.gov/scholarship.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

This year, the Transportation Cabinet will award up to 10 new scholarships for students to pursue civil engineering technology degrees at Bluegrass Community & Technical College in Lexington and Big Sandy Community & Technical College in Prestonsburg.

The Civil Engineering Technology Scholarship Program will prepare students for work with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet upon graduation. Each scholarship student will receive $2,500 per semester toward an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology from the Prestonsburg or Lexington KCTCS campuses. Scholarship students agree to work for a year for the cabinet for every year they receive the award.

The deadline for applying for the civil engineering technology scholarships is March 1. Recipients will be notified by April 1. The scholarships will be awarded once per year.

The scholarship application, qualifications and guidelines can also be found online at www.transportation.ky.gov/scholarship.

THE ‘KEEN’ PROGRAM

Also, to boost student “exposure” to the engineering profession, the Transportation Cabinet has offered the Kentucky Engineering Exposure Network program since 1991. Through it, highway engineers visit schools throughout the state to discuss applications of math and science in daily life and the opportunities and challenges presented in the field of engineering.

To invite an engineer to your classroom in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas and Rowan counties, contact Allen Blair at the Department of Highways District 9 office via email or by calling (606) 845-2551. Visit KEEN on the Web at www.transportation.ky.gov by clicking the “education” link.

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