Jan. 19, 2007 (07-003)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Contact: Stan Whitley, (785) 296-3585

KDOT announces selection of 19 Local Partnership Program projects

Local partnership projects designed to enhance economic development opportunities and improve safety in communities across the state have been announced by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

State and local funds totaling $26.8 million were approved for 19construction projects in fiscal year 2010 through KDOT’s Local Partnership Program. The program financially assists local governments in making needed road improvements on city and county roads. Projects were awarded under the categories of Geometric Improvements and Economic Development.

“The Local Partnership Program has funded important projects all across the state,” said KDOT Secretary Deb Miller. “These improvements couldn’t have happened without local partners and KDOT working together. Communities care about these projects and show that by providing a share of the funding to make them possible.”

Local units of government must provide at least 25 percent of the total project costs for economic development projects and up to a maximum of 25 percent of total geometric improvement costs based on city population.

Economic development projects are intended to enhance economic development in the state. Geometric improvement projects are designed to help cities widen pavements, add or widen shoulders, eliminate steep hills or sharp curves and add needed acceleration and deceleration lanes.

All cities with City Connecting Links of the State Highway System within their boundaries are eligible to apply for Geometric Improvement funds. Any local unit of government or state agency may be considered for Economic Development funds for a highway or bridge construction project that has the potential to enhance and increase the area’s income, employment and land values.

“The impact of the Local Partnership program has been dramatic throughout Kansas and we hope funding will become available for its continued success in the future,” said Miller. “We have been able to provide funding for 434 economic development and geometric improvement projects during the existence of this partnership program.”

Since 1987, 287 Geometric Improvements have been funded in 137 communities and 147 Economic Development projects have been funded in 83 Kansas communities. A total of $347 million in funding - $232 million in state funds and $115 million in local funds – have been allocated to make improvements during the program.

Following is a list of approved cities, roadways and Local Partnership Program projects.

Geometric Improvements - 12 projects

Manhattan – K-113 and Claflin Road, construct right turn lane; Nortonville – Osage Street (U.S. 159 and K-4), mill, overlay and curb and gutter; Rossville – U.S. 24 from Navarre Street to Pearl Street, curb and gutter; Beloit – K-14, from south of Ninth Street north 890 feet, pavement reconstruction, curb and gutter, storm sewer; Goodland – K-27 from I-70 north to U.S. 24B, reconstruction; WaKeeney – U.S. 40B from Fifth Street east to Ninth Street, reconstruction and curb and gutter; Burlington – U.S. 75 from Cumberland Street north to the alley south of Lawrence Street, reconstruction and curb and gutter; El Dorado – Intersection of U.S. 77 and Sixth Avenue, intersection improvement; Pratt – Main Street from First Street south to between Third and Fourth Streets, pavement reconstruction; Wellington – 15th and ‘A’ Street intersection, reconstruct to roundabout; Fowler – K-98 from Sixth Street to 10th Street, reconstruction and curb and gutter; Leoti – K-25 from South Street to ‘A’ Street, curb and gutter, storm sewer.

Economic Development – Seven projects

Wabaunsee County – Mission Valley Road from County Route 619 west four miles, overlay; Washington – K-15, ½ mile south of U.S. 36/K-15 junction south ½ mile, acceleration and deceleration lanes, access modification; Plainville – Intersection U.S. 183 and County Road W east ½ mile and intersection of County Road W and County Road 18 south ½ mile, reconstruction; Chanute – Elk Road from 49th Street north to 35th Street, reconstruct to three lanes and shoulders; Franklin County – Montana Road from future U.S. 59 interchange south to Sand Creek Road, reconstruction; Garden City – K-156 from ½ mile east of U.S. 50/U.S. 83/U.S. 400 east to Jennie Barker Road intersection, widening and realignment; Seward County – U.S. 54, four miles northeast of Liberal, realignment, railroad overpass and acceleration/deceleration lanes.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.
For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the Bureau of Transportation Information,
700 SW Harrison St., Second Floor West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice) (TTY).