By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Kansas Department of Transportation notified Barton County that they are offering to exchange the county’s annual federal funds distribution at the rate of 90%. The county has the option of receiving the full share of federal funds of $177,410.37 on a project designed with all federal requirements and restrictions.
Going with the exchange, Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman said the county has the freedom to use the money on road and bridge projects without federal requirements.
"This really gives us the freedom instead of identifying one project and having to stick on a schedule," said McManaman. "We can split that money up as we see fit for bridge repairs, multiple things if we need some supplemental funding to our normal overlay budget. I think it's really a benefit."
KDOT’s exchange, at 90%, provides Barton County with $159,669.33. McManaman felt the exchange is worth it due to the extra hassle with federal requirements and oftentimes the design adds quite a bit of extra expense.
"The county has participated in the exchange I believe since 2013," said McManaman. "It's been going on for a quite a long time and I think it serves the county's needs very well."
The Barton County Commission approved the KDOT federal funds exchange.