TOPEKA, Kan. — On October 14, 2024, Governor Laura Kelly announced that nearly $31.5 million will be awarded to fund 31 projects across Kansas. These projects aim to enhance the safety, accessibility, and mobility of communities by creating more walkable and bike-friendly routes through the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.
This program, managed by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and supported by the Federal Highway Administration, is the main funding source for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the state, including Safe Routes to School initiatives. It also supports projects related to historical transportation, as well as scenic and environmental improvements like Main Street beautification.
Since 2019, under the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), KDOT has awarded over $95 million for 122 TA projects, benefiting both urban and rural areas. This year’s funding announcement represents the largest grant amount awarded by the state since the federal program began. The program requires a local match of 20 percent of the project cost, comprising $2.79 million in local funds and $5.15 million in KDOT state funding. Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure and improve neighborhood connectivity.
Some TA projects selected to receive an award are:
Central Kansas Conservancy: Sunflower Santa Fe Trail – Canton KS: $649,485.60
City of Herington: Safe Routes to School Phase II Construction Project: $1,136,075.00
City of Hillsboro: Orchard Drive Hike/Bike Trail: $525,100.00
City of McPherson: McPherson Ave A Trail Phase III: $849,913.60
City of Altamont: Pedestrian Connections to School & Food Retail: $1,528,469.00
City of Burlington: 6th Street Prefabricated Pedestrian Bridge $654,256.00
City of Girard: Pedestrian Transportation Facilities to Connect Vital Services to Residents: $633,277.00
City of Iola: US-54 Multimodal Project $4,236,812.00
City of Pittsburg: Meadowlark Elementary School Safe Routes to School: $286,400.00
City of Augusta: Pedestrian bridge over the Whitewater River on Redbud Rail Trail: $560,000.00
City of Great Bend: Downtown Great Bend Sidewalk Repair and Accessibility Improvements: $800,000.00
City of Greensburg: Greensburg Connecting Sidewalks: $342,548.00
City of Hutchinson: Downtown Hutchinson Pedestrian Safety and Access Improvements: $908,800.00
City of Larned: Safe Routes to School Phase II: $850,400.00
City of Sedgwick: Commercial Avenue Pedestrian Access and Streetscape Improvements: $215,384.80
City of South Hutchinson: South Hutchinson Pedestrian Connectivity Project: $273,600.00
City of Ulysses: Kepley Middle School Crossing: $400,475.00
31 Projects Total = $31,489,609.40
To see more awardees, visit governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-announces-nearly-31-5m-for-31-bicycle-pedestrian-projects-across-kansas/
