"To provide for the professional acquisition of required right-of-way; the orderly relocation of affected families, businesses, and utilities; for safety improvements to highway railroad crossings; and, the fair and equitable treatment of all citizens."

The Constitution of Kentucky states that no one's property shall be taken or applied to public use without payment of just compensation. Just compensation is best measured through an orderly and objective process rather than arbitrarily choosing a number based on subjective opinion. This is the appraisal process.

Appraisal Branch

The Appraisal Branch implements the appraisal phase of the acquisition program on a statewide basis including the development of a trained appraisal and appraisal review staff. The Branch is responsible for the prequalifying of contract appraisers to provide appraisal and review appraisal services that comply with state and federal laws and regulations. The Appraisal Branch assigns and reviews appraisals completed for the highway acquisition projects.

The Acquisition Branch programs all projects for right of way activities. Other activities include assisting in the contracting with consultants and providing a review of all materials submitted for payment or condemnation by the district offices. The Branch provides oversight of district and consultant acquisition activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and provides technical assistance for situations not covered by policies. The Branch maintains files of project plans and parcel folders for all active projects.

An unavoidable consequence of many highway improvement projects is the displacement of individuals, families and businesses. It is the policy of the Division that all displaced persons receive fair and humane treatment and to receive assistance that will minimize any hardships resulting from their displacement. Persons displaced by highway projects may be eligible for relocation assistance advisory services and payments. Relocation Assistance personnel will work with displacees to determine specific needs and what payments they may be eligible to receive. Persons being displaced are cautioned to not move from the property without first contacting a relocation assistance agent.

The Utilities & Rails Branch administers the KYTC Utility Relocation function and the Transportation Cabinet's Highway/Railroad Crossing Safety Program.

The Utilities Branch provides support for the District Utilities Agents throughout the state. The staff reviews relocation plans, proposals, and agreements submitted by district personnel. The Branch assists with contracts, paying of invoices, and coordinating the work with other agencies and other Cabinet Divisions.

The Rails Section maintains an inventory of rail crossings of public roads throughout the state. The staff is responsible for prioritizing safety upgrades to public rail/highway crossings and the programming of funds for the work done to maintain and upgrade the crossings.