By SALINA POST
The cities of Abilene and Peabody are among the 20 cities and counties selected as fall 2021 Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share Program awardees.
“These 20 new cost share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said while announcing the awards. “I want to congratulate all of the communities that were awarded projects and thank them for their collaboration in this program. My administration is committed to fixing and maintaining our roads and bridges in every corner of the state.”
The City of Abilene is to receive $1 million for improvements on 14th Street from N. Buckeye west to Vine Street, and will provide a 60-percent community match. After a traffic count and consideration of the best use of available right-of-ways, the city determined that a three-lane section was warranted for pedestrian safety, including the safety of middle school and high school students, and current and future traffic needs.
Under the program, the City of Peabody is set to receive $314,625 for improvements on Fourth Street, and will provide a 25-percent community match.
In total, $9.4 million will support 20 transportation construction projects funded through state and local partnerships that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, and relieve congestion. The Cost Share Program is designed to help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system.