RILEY – Today, Governor Laura Kelly congratulated the City of Riley for receiving $335,000 in Cost Share funds. The city will use the funds to correct drainage issues and provide safer walking paths along North Main and West Walnut streets.
“Congratulations to the City of Riley for receiving $335,000 in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” said Governor Laura 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. Riley was among 30 transportation construction projects selected for the Spring 2021 Cost Share recipients.
According to Riley Mayor Tim Sharp, the project, which will enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers using the two high-traffic streets, may not have been feasible without the Cost Share funds.
“I was very happy to hear we’d been selected,” said Mayor Sharp of receiving the Cost Share funding. “Riley is a small town, so when an influx like this is received it makes a big impact on what we can do.”
The project involves the installation of a drainage system, new storm pipes, sidewalks and a pedestrian bridge.
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.
The entire list of Spring 2021 Cost Share projects is available here.