Governor Laura Kelly and outgoing Kansas Department of Transportation secretary (KDOT) Julie Lorenz, recently announced the disbursement of $40.5 million through two different state programs to fund 33 local and off-system bridge projects statewide.
“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,” the governor said in a statement.
“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies,” she added.
Gov. Kelly noted that local bridge funds for cities and counties through the Kansas DOT’s Off-System Bridge and Kansas Local Bridge Improvement programs received a $137.5 million boost over the next five years from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
KDOT noted that the Off-System Bridge program has expanded from $8 million to $20.5 million in yearly funding due to IIJA fiscal support. Meanwhile, the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement program went from $5 million to $20 million annually due to IIJA funds.
“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,” noted Kansas DOT’s Lorenz. “Most [agricultural] loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line. Congratulations to these Kansas communities for partnering with Kansas DOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”
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Source: AASHTO
