Kansas doles out $6 million for transportation, tech projects

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has announced that over $6 million is headed to local transportation and technology projects all over the state.

Kelly said she and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announced the recipients of over $6 million in funds from two programs that invest in technology and local community transportation needs.

The announcement marked the KDOT’s first-ever Innovative Technology program awards which were made possible by the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE, the 10-year transportation program approved by the 2020 Kansas Legislature and signed into law by Kelly in order to address infrastructure needs throughout Kansas.

“My administration is committed to supporting the kinds of programs and partnerships that allow us to take care of today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities for growth – the 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program is testament to that,” Governor Kelly said. “Through these programs, we will continue to strengthen our state’s infrastructure, promote economic development, and improve access to new and evolving transportation technology. ”

Gov. Kelly said five Innovative Technology projects that total over $1.3 million were announced on Thursday. She said the program provides financial assistance to those in innovative technology projects improving safety and increasing KDOT’s total technology investment.

According to the Kansas Governor, both programs have been designed to help both rural and urban areas of the state improve transportation systems.