HOISINGTON – Friday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly congratulated the City of Hoisington for receiving $568,571 in cost share funds. This project will improve Second Street by replacing the existing pavement with six inches of concrete over a six-inch aggregate base.
Most of the existing curb and gutter will be replaced. Broken sections of the existing sidewalk will be replaced, and ADA ramps will be installed. The project ties into a previous improvement project on Main Street (U.S. 281).
“Congratulations to the City of Hoisington for receiving $568,571 in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” said Kelly. “By working with our local partners to invest in our communities, our Cost Share program is improving road safety, mobility, and helping recruit new families and businesses to our state. This project is proof that when we work together to make smart, innovative investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”
A component of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan transportation plan, the Cost Share program is designed to help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. Hoisington was among 30 transportation construction projects selected for the Spring 2021 Cost Share recipients.
“This project is huge to our community,” said Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell. “It is located in the heart of our downtown and will improve accessibility to numerous retail and service-oriented businesses. This will send a clear message that we are paving the way to a better tomorrow.”
Mitchell said Second Street had been considered as a high-priority, non-highway project for many years and the Cost Share project “will allow us to address significant structural and safety issues” and provide improved accessibility for those with disabilities.
“The enhancements in connectivity are also significant for us,” Mitchell said. “Our community has been working hard to enhance pedestrian and bike infrastructure. This project should help to make significant strides in connectivity and accessibility.”
Demand is high for Cost Share transportation dollars. Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager for KDOT, said 117 communities requested more than $103 million in funding for this, the fourth round of the Cost Share program.
“KDOT was impressed with how this round of Cost Share projects hit markers for economic development, safety and community support,” said Needham. “Recognizing the need to support economic recovery, KDOT and our Cost Share partners are working collaboratively to expedite delivery on selected projects.”
KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients contributing a combined total 50/50 match of $21 million, a total of $42 million in funding through state and local partnerships. The agency took advantage of 2020 federal coronavirus relief funds by doubling the available Cost Share funding for this round. Selection criteria was adjusted to consider hardships caused by the pandemic and points were added to communities that endured above-average economic loss.
Other area projects approved include:
• City of Ellsworth Sidewalk Improvements
• City of Sterling East Cleveland and 1st Street Corridor Project
• Ellsworth County FAS Bridge 490 Replacement
• Rice County Avenue Q Overlay
• Rush County 360 Road Realignment
