By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The federally funded Transportation Alternatives (TA) program was designed for projects that assist with on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility.
In Kansas, the TA program is administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said Great Bend received a grant to make improvements along Main Street.
"Initially, we applied for $600,000 with a $200,000 match," said Cauley. "The State looked at our pictures and descriptions and decided to fund us fully on that."
The project will improve sidewalks, curbs, gutters and ADA accessibility on Main Street, from 10th to 19th. The grant will also cover improvements to sidewalks around the Barton County Courthouse.
The project is expected to start in 2026.