Governor Laura Kelly and The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced Monday that $37.2 million in federal funds has been awarded to 33 projects selected for inclusion in KDOT’s Transportation Alternatives (TA) program. The TA Program provides federal funding to promote and enable use of active transportation and for certain scenic and historic improvements, such as:
- Pedestrian/Bicycle/Non-motorized transportation infrastructure
- Abandoned railway corridors to trails conversion
- Safe Routes to School – construction and non-construction
- Historic transportation facility preservation and rehabilitation
- Scenic and environmental improvements
Two Great Bend projects were included in the funding. A project to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility on Forest Avenue was awarded $356,000. A project for improved pedestrian crossing at 10th and Main was awarded $312,000.
“Improving alternate modes of travel provides better mobility and connectivity opportunities that keep people moving across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As the state’s largest program that funds community projects focused on active transportation, the Transportation Alternatives program provides crucial support in every corner of Kansas.”
KDOT evaluated the 40 applications from this cycle and made selections based on the program criteria and input provided by internal and external partners. Criteria consisted of including proven safety countermeasures, demonstrating readiness and need, population size, and geographic distribution. KDOT also assessed data available as part of the state’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool.
“The TA program prioritizes safety and accessibility for people who walk, bike, or roll to work, school, appointments, and other activities,” said Jenny Kramer, KDOT State Active Transportation Manager. “With the focus on safety, it is exciting that the Highway Safety Improvement Program is also investing $6 million towards this round. More funding allows for more projects, which enhances safety in more communities.”
The next call for projects is expected to open in spring 2028.
For more information and a map showing each project location, visit: https://www.ksdot.gov/programs/multimodal-programs/transportation-alternatives.