May 21, 2024

Gov. Kelly announces more than $1.5M in local innovation technology programs

Posted May 21, 2024 3:33 PM
KDOT
KDOT

Submitted

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $3.5 million will be awarded to 13 projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Innovative Technology Program. The program makes investments that improve safety, access, or mobility and implement new transportation technology. 

“My administration is delivering technological advancements to increase transportation safety in every corner of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Through collaboration with local entities, this investment supports innovative transportation improvements in rural and urban communities.” 

All transportation system projects are eligible for Innovative Technology funding. Examples of projects selected for technology upgrades in this round include aviation and rail upgrades, traffic engineering and school zone enhancements, and truck simulators for CDL (commercial driver’s license) program expansion. 

State funding for the 13 projects will be enhanced by a minimum 25% local match from each recipient, resulting in a total innovative technology investment of more than $5.3 million. The program is part of the Kelly administration’s bipartisan 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, also known as IKE.

“New and emerging technologies offer the potential for a safer, more efficient transportation system,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “This latest round of Innovative Technology projects demonstrates how Kansas communities are proactively turning to technology to improve operations for now and the future.” 

KDOT - Awarded Innovative Technology Projects

Advanced UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center
Kansas State University-Salina
Saline County
Amount: $1,000,000

Rail Freight Bulk Scale
Bestifor
Republic County
Amount: $959,925

Clean-Agent Fire Suppression System
Salina Regional Airport
Saline County
Amount: $900,000

Truck Simulators for CDL Program Expansion
Seward County Community College
Seward County
Amount: $335,625

Safety View Software Application
City of Overland Park
Johnson County: $131,249

Traffic Signal Battery Back-Ups
City of Great Bend
Barton County
Amount: $58,802

El Dorado Street Condition Assessment with AI
City of El Dorado
Butler County: $52,500

Replace School Crossing Lights and Signage
City of Rossville
Shawnee
Amount: $21,000

Noninvasive Barrier Repair Lightweight System
Kansas State University
Riley County: $18,682

Jet Plain Road Runner Road Grader Trailer
Greeley County
Amount: $14,437

Digital Speed Sign
City of Olsburg
Pottawatomie County
Amount: $7,500

Radar Speed Sign
City of Valley Falls
Jefferson County
Amount: $6,217

School Zone Sign Enhancement
Pottawatomie County
Amount: $6,000

Total Amount:   $3,511,937