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

Acquisition Branch

The Acquisition Branch processes all programming of projects for right of way activities. This includes secure contracts with right of way consultants, review and process right of way payments and condemnation requests from the district right of way offices, district attorneys and right of way consultants. The Acquisition Branch conducts oversight of right of way acquisition activities by district offices and consultants for compliance with policies and procedures of the Division. As well provide needed assistance for interpretation and application of these guidelines. The Acquisition Branch also maintain plans and parcel files for all active projects, provide direct technical assistance to users of the Division's online computer data base system and assist outside consultants with linking and troubleshooting.

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.

The Appraisal Branch implements the appraisal phase of the acquisition program on a statewide basis. This includes prequalification of contract appraisers, contracting for appraisal services and then review of appraisal reports to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and policy and to confirm that proper appraisal procedures have been employed. The Appraisal Branch also receives, approves and distributes appraisals completed for the highway acquisition program. Technical training programs and guidance is also provided and, on occasion, appraisal work for other agencies is completed by the Appraisal Branch.

An unavoidable consequence of a modern highway system is the displacement of a small percentage of people for the greater good of the community. It is the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's policy that displaced persons receive fair and humane treatment and not suffer unnecessarily as a result of their displacement.

If you are required to move as a result of a highway construction project, you may be eligible for relocation assistance advisory services and payments. Your cooperation with the Cabinet's relocation agent is needed as they work with you in determining your needs and the payments to which you may be eligible.

You are cautioned not to move from the property you now occupy without contacting your relocation agent.

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

The Utilities Branch provides support for the District Utilities Agents throughout the state. The Utilities Branch staff reviews relocation plans, proposals, and agreements submitted by District personnel, establish contracts, pay final bills, coordinate work with other Cabinet Divisions, and outside agencies.

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, programming funding for the work done to maintain and upgrade the crossings.