Commonwealth Technology News

Gov. Fletcher announces "No Child Left Offline" initiative at Rural Telecommunications Congress

Gov. Fletcher Announces "No Child Left Offline" Program
The innovative pilot program will provide computers to Kentucky’s underprivileged households, helping to bring them into the Information Age.

Rural Telecommunications Congress Meets in Lexington
The ninth annual conference of the Rural Telecommunications Congress (Rural TeleCon '05) was held in Lexington on October 10-12.

New Streaming Video System Unveiled at KY Juvenile Facility
Lt. Gov. Steve Pence and the Department of Juvenile Justice recently unveiled a new streaming video project which will be used in the department’s juvenile facilities across the state.

KY State Parks GIS Mapping Site Is Setting Records
A new custom Internet mapping site created by COT's Division of Geographic Information is breaking records.

KY Legislature Will Provide Online Access to Roll Call Votes
The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission recently approved a proposal to provide citizens with online access to chamber roll calls, beginning with the 2006 legislative session.

Kentucky Promotes Cyber Security Awareness
During October Kentucky promoted cyber security awareness with a proclamation by Gov. Fletcher and a Security Awareness Seminar.

KY e-Health Network Board to Hold First Meeting
The Kentucky e-Health Network Board will hold its first meeting Nov. 7, marking the beginning of the board’s efforts to improve Kentucky’s health care system.
 

 
Kentucky's 511 Traffic and Travel Information Line

Kentucky's 511 system for traffic and travel information stays busy all the time, but their peak season is just around the corner.  The 511 service, launched statewide in 2002, provides information about accidents, construction information and weather conditions that affect the commonwealth's roadways.  Kentucky's 511 phone system averages over 60,000 calls a month, but the busiest month of the year will soon be here.  The combination of winter weather and heavy holiday travel usually results in an avalanche of calls to Kentucky's 511 Traffic and Travel Information line during the month of December. 

Leon Walden, program coordinator for 511 for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said, "511 will be a vital part of the Transportation Cabinet's snow and ice strategy for the coming winter.  We expect to receive at least four times the number of calls during any one snow and ice day as compared to the entire month of September."  Traffic and travel information for Kentucky roads is available by dialing the three simple digits 5-1-1 or on the Web at 511.ky.gov.  Information on both the phone line and Web site is current and updated 24/7 as conditions change.

Because of 511, Kentucky citizens and visitors are making informed decisions before they hit the road.  Whether the system is accessed by phone or by visiting http://511.ky.gov, it's a fast and efficient way to find the best route to your next Kentucky destination.

Question:  How many e-mails does KY's Commonwealth Office of Technology handle each week?

Answer:  COT's Office of Infrastructure Services processes an average of 2.5 million e-mails per week from external sources outside of state government.  Of those 2.5 million e-mails, approximately one million are spam or unsolicited non-business e-mails that must be blocked by the state's e-mail filtering system!