FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2020) – Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray today announced the appointment of James E. Ballinger, a seasoned engineer who once directed the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Lexington highway district, to the critical post of State Highway Engineer.
“James brings a wealth of experience and expertise to one of the most important positions in state government,” Secretary Gray said. “By leading the Department of Highways and overseeing the planning of transportation infrastructure for the entire Commonwealth, James’ work will touch the life of every Kentuckian.”
Ballinger served 5½ years as Chief District Engineer of KYTC’s District 7, where he was responsible for project development, construction, maintenance and operations throughout 12 central Kentucky counties. He retired from KYTC in December 2014 and joined the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky as a research and training engineer. Since September 2015 Ballinger has directed the Lexington office of Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers.
“I’m grateful to Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary Gray for providing me the opportunity to once again serve at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,” Ballinger said. “I’m looking forward to working with the outstanding employees at Transportation to help make a positive difference in our local communities and the Commonwealth.”
Ballinger joined KYTC in 1987 following graduation from the University of Kentucky, where he received a B.S. in civil engineering. Prior to that, he earned an associate’s degree in engineering from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to taking charge of the Lexington district, he served at KYTC as resident engineer in Madison County and has managed district construction and district preconstruction branches. Projects he has supervised include widening of the Clays Ferry Bridge and I-75 in Madison County and construction of the Richmond Bypass.
Ballinger lives in his native Rockcastle County with his wife, Carrie, and children James Clay, Caleb, Cole and Emma Grace.
The mission of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound and fiscally responsible transportation system that enhances the quality of life in Kentucky.
The cabinet maintains more than 27,000 miles of roads. It also oversees 57 public airports and 33 public transportation systems, licensure of 3.1 million drivers and the registration of 4 million vehicles per year.
Keep up with information from Gov. Andy Beshear and his administration about the COVID-19 pandemic at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and on the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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