By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Nearly a year ago, the City of Great Bend found out they were one of 22 projects selected by the Kansas Department of Transportation to receive funding through their Cost Share Program. KDOT provides 75% of the construction costs for projects that invest in transportation improvements statewide.
Great Bend’s nearly $3.4 million project will resurface most of 10th Street and reconstruct the SRCA Dragstrip.
SRCA President Hank Denning says the project at
the dragstrip is desperately needed and the Board of Directors are looking to
raise additional funds for new retaining walls and time system.
"The speeds the cars are reaching now, it's a safety factor to put up a continuous wall," said Denning. "Without the moveable barriers, if a car does hit it, they can't push through or go over the top."
SRCA currently has 704 removable barriers that weigh 3,700 pounds a piece that line the
track. SRCA is trying to raise $250,000 for the protection walls and new timing
system. The group currently has raised roughly $97,000.
"You can go to our Facebook page or our website for an online donation," said Denning. "There is also a form you can fill out and send it. SRCA is a 501c3 non-profit organization, so it is a taxable write-off."
Suchy Construction was awarded the bid for $1.6 million to demolish and
reconstruct the dragstrip at the fairgrounds. The dragstrip portion of the
project is expected to be complete by the end of next May.
To donate to SRCA's fundraising, visit srcadragstrip.com.