Governor Fletcher personally decided which Kentucky roads to repave and build based on politics, not need. That’s one of the bombshells revealed by a former top official in the transportation cabinet. Sam Beverage made the statements as part of a plea bargain.

Kentucky's Transportation Secretary calls Sam Beverage a delusional perjurer.  But Beverage’s allegations have prompted a new criminal investigation of the Fletcher administration.

If a state senator supported Governor Fletcher’s program, he got a road in his district. If another state senator didn't, he didn't get a repaving project in his district. So says former State Highway Engineer Sam Beverage.  Beverage’s statement, called a proffer, was part of his plea agreement in his perjury case.  He had to tell a Franklin County prosecutor about possible illegal acts in the Fletcher administration. 

Beverage claims Governor Fletcher personally got a list of road projects with senators’ names next to them and projects were then selected for those senators that voted for the governor's programs.  Fletcher won't comment but Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert told us two weeks ago that all roadwork is decided based on need and bids.

“There’s nobody at transportation that would know how to steer a contract to anybody,” says Nighbert. “It’s all an open bid process.”

Beverage’s proffer also claims the $42 million discretionary road fund is where the real politics is played, calling it essentially a large campaign chest which is used accordingly.  Beverage’s statement is under investigation by the attorney general and perhaps the FBI..

What we haven't seen is a video, requested by WHAS11News, of an interview Beverage had with Commonwealth's Attorney Larry Cleveland about more allegations. The tape may be released next week. 

Transportation Secretary Nighbert called Beverage’s statement "the delusional ramblings of a man who will say anything to keep his hide out of prison."