The Kansas Department of Transportation recently awarded $39 million in grants to 22 transportation projects as part of its new Cost Share Program launched in September; projects that represent a total of nearly $74 million in state, local, federal and private investment in transportation improvements statewide.

[Above photo by the Kansas DOT.]

“These projects demonstrate communities’ commitments to improve the quality of life for their citizens and to do so in a practical manner,” said Governor Laura Kelly (D) in a statement. “This program also demonstrates the great things that happen when communities and the state work together.”

Funding for the grant awards is part of the $216 million authorized by the Kansas legislature and Gov. Kelly to remain in the state highway fund in fiscal year 2020. In addition to the Cost Share Program, those funds are being used to increase highway preservation, help complete delayed T-WORKS projects, improve safety and provide new funding opportunities for cities and counties.

Nearly 100 applications were submitted in the first round of this new program, added Julie Lorenz, secretary of transportation for Kansas; an indication that there is pent up demand for transportation investments across the state.

She pointed out that the next call for applications for the second round of Cost Share Program grants will be announced next year.