Transportation and Infrastructure Assistance

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Kansas Department of Transportation plan includes an Economic Development Program to fund transportation improvements that can be shown to support job growth and capital investment in the state. All transportation modes are eligible, including roadway, rail, airport and public transit. Typical projects include access roads, turning lanes and rail spurs. Eligible applicants are local governments, often in partnership with private businesses. A 25 percent minimum local match is preferred, although this is negotiable.

Improvement projects must address a transportation problem, such as promoting safety, improving access or mobility or relieving congestion. The new or expanding business must be non-speculative. This program is not intended to fund improvements for future recruitment of businesses. Other basic infrastructure, such as water and other utilities, must be in place or imminent. Improvement projects must create new jobs and capital investment in Kansas, not just transfer business from one part of the state to another. In addition, projects must have the support of local leaders, such as elected officials and a local chamber of commerce.

CNBC ranks Kansas #3 for Infrastructure and the Reason Foundation ranks us #6 in their Annual State Highway Report based on 11 factors such as pavement conditions, maintenance, bridge infrastructure and commute times. (2019)

Kansas ranks #6 in the nation for fastest work commutes. (2019)