By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Commission on Wednesday approved a resolution to apply for a state grant to make improvements to the Cheyenne Bottoms scenic overlook off K-4 Highway east of Redwing.
Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman told commissioners why he is recommending the project which includes an expansion of the overlook's turn-around area.
“The scenic overlook was constructed just a few years ago and it’s been a really great facility, well-received,” McManaman explained. “One of the things that we talked about in the Wetland and Wildlife Byway Committee is the fact that down at the bottom of the hill, the turning circle is somewhat tight so vehicles when they come in there will have trouble staying on the pavement.”
McManaman said large vehicles like RVs and tour buses need a larger turning radius.
Commissioner Jennifer Schartz explained why she supports the changes
"When we started to develop this several years ago, at that point we didn’t know how popular it would be, and I think the numbers have shown that it is so popular that we need to do a little bit of maintenance on it and make it just a little bit better than it was,” Schartz said.
If the project is approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation, the state will pay 80% of the construction costs. The county will pay the remaining 20% plus the cost for design and any right-of-way or easements that might be necessary. McManaman estimated the county's share will total approximately $32,800.
