Kansas gets $45 million for infrastructure improvement projects

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced several major state infrastructure projects Monday morning which are receiving nearly $45.3 million in federal funds.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program is responsible for the injection of funding into the Sunflower State. These grants go towards supporting railway, road, transit and port projects across the nation.

“I am pleased that Kansas communities have captured federal dollars to advance these important projects to benefit their residents and strengthen their communities,” Kelly said. “Capitalizing on these federal grant opportunities improves the safety of our roads, trails, and bridges.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is being awarded $1.6 million to help the agency develop transportation design options for infrastructure replacement along a 5.5-mile segment of I-135. The study comprises of 53 bridges, two interchanges and four pedestrian bridges. This area connects to I-35 and the I-235 bypass which carries more than 87,00 vehicles each day.

“The RAISE grant is a way for communities, large and small, to address transportation infrastructure by leveraging local investment to capture federal dollars,” Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “RAISE also provides the opportunity for KDOT to advance planning activities, as is the case with the Canal Route Modernization Study, that will position future investment in critical Kansas infrastructure. Congratulations to the awarded communities.”

Three projects in Kansas are destined to receive funding from RAISE grants. These include the following:

• Countywide Trails Planning and Design
  • Coffey County
  • $2,645,000
  • Project will help the county in planning and designing around 47 miles of a multi-use trail system within six communities. This trail will give people a safe transportation option for non-motorized and vulnerable users which can give environmental sustainability and economic benefits through increased tourism.
• Road Repair and Rehabilitation Project
  • Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation
  • $16,021,301
  • Aims to improve 14 miles of roads within the boundaries of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation and build 2.5 miles of walking trails. Road improvements will focus on pavement, drainage, adding shoulders and signage.
• Pathways for Progress
  • City of Topeka
  • $25,000,000
  • Assist the City of Topeka in building around 50 miles of new or improved sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project will improve pedestrian access to daily destinations and local bus routes and improve deficiencies in the pedestrian network.

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