Morris, Geary County projects improve safety on K-177
KCA convention hits record attendance third year in a row
How delivery method can impact profitability
Kansas among states with most additional capacity projects
Avoiding the most common mistakes
As a family-owned business spanning three generations and more than 80 years, our family’s mission and values are woven through the fabric of Kansas’ history. We’ve grown that mission from one store to 15 locations serving 144 counties with more technicians serving Kansas than any other heavy equipment dealer. While a lot has changed, Foley’s commitment to empowering the progress of our customers and the communities we serve has remained constant.
Volume 5, Issue 1
Josh Smith, President Klaver Construction Co.
Heather Jantz, Vice President MJE, LLC
Mike Hoffman, Treasurer & Grading & Railroads Division Alan’s Excavating, Inc.
Chad Girard, Immediate Past President APAC Kansas - Shears Division
Trey Bowen, Director-at-Large Superior Bowen Asphalt Co.
Peter Clark, Aggregate & Light Type Division Bayer Construction
Shane Ham, Supplier/Service Division Foley Equipment Co., Inc.
Mark Lorenz, Utility Division Dondlinger & Sons
Dan Murphy, Director-at-Large Dustrol, Inc.
Shawn Riley, Director-at-Large APAC Kansas - Shears Division
Travis Rose, Structures Division Bridges, Inc.
Mike Schirmer, Rigid Paving Division Koss Construction / Bettis Companies
Rocky Seybert, Flexible Paving Division Venture Corporation
Pat Short, Director-at-Large Pearson Construction
Steve Sloan, Supplier/Service Division Midwest Minerals
Michael White Executive Director mwhite@webuildkansas.com
Stephanie Mullholland Marketing & Membership Director stephanie@webuildkansas.com
Nancy Delgado Administrative Coordinator ndelgado@webuildkansas.com
A pair of projects completed on K-177 have transformed a once dangerous stretch of twolane highway between Council Grove and Manhattan into a safer commute for Kansans. On the cover:
President’s Message Building and keeping leaderrs
The Extra Mile A message from KCA’s Executive Director 3 4 6 9 10 18 22 24 26 28
69Express Project Legislators tour progress
Transition Planning How to avoid common mistakes
Winner! Winner! KCA members earn partnering, safety awards
It's a Three-Peat Mitch Holthus headlines record turnout convention
Procurement Type Matters
Assessing procurement, risk allocation for profitability
Federal Highway Investments
Kansas among states with most capacity projects
KCA ConEd Foundation Foundation awards $37,000 in scholarships
Member News Industry losses, new facility, new members, golf
Nominate yourself or someone in your company to be part of KCA's first Emerging Leaders class. This fast-paced program is designed for Kansas heavy construction professionals who are interested in moving into a larger leadership role with their employer. It will involve three sessions, held in November, December and January with graduation occurring at the KCA convention following the January session. The class is limited to 30 participants. Eligible participants include contractor and supplier members of either KCA, KAPA or KAPA-KRMCA as well as KDOT employees. The program is $1,500 per participant, which includes meals, trainings and all class materials.
BY JOSH SMITH, KLAVER CONSTRUCTION KCA PRESIDENT
Most of us were drawn to the construction industry because building things came naturally to us. We had the technical aptitude for it, or we liked being outdoors instead of at a desk all day. But, managing people and the leadership side might not have come as naturally.
That's why KCA is launching an Emerging Leaders program – to help prepare the up-and-coming leaders in our companies who have the technical aptitude, but are ready to build on their aptitude for a leadership or management role.
It is a three-part intensive development program designed specifically for the unique challenges facing construction leaders. The program is led by Jake Thompson, a high-energy professional development coach who spoke as our keynote at the KCA convention a few years ago.
Sessions will delve into communication skills, how to build team cohesion, leadership traits, how to present with confidence, providing constructive criticism and holding team members accountable, delegating tasks and avoiding burnout, how to build trust and how to build an ethical culture on your team. The program will also include a crash course in advocacy, including understanding how transportation projects are determined and funded in Kansas, how to engage with local and state elected
officials to advocate for our industry and how to work with decision-makers in local and state government when challenges arise that impact a project.
Nominate yourself or someone in your company class. This fast-paced program is designed for who are interested in moving into a larger leadership involve three sessions, held in November, December occurring at the KCA convention following the
Finding and keeping good employees is an issue facing most industries, as is succession planning. Identifying those on our teams with leadership potential, and providing them with the resources to grow into a leadership role, will help us retain the best and the brightest in our industry. Now is the time to start building our next leaders so they can one day successfully transition into managing our companies, leading our association and perpetuating the growth of our industry.
The class is limited to 30 participants. Eligible supplier members of either KCA, KAPA or KAPA-KRMCA program is $1,500 per participant, which includes
SUBMIT THE EMERGING LEADERS SELECTED CLASS MEMBERS WILL
Scan this QR code to submit a nomination. Nominations are due by August 15. You can learn more about the program and session dates at webuildkansas.com/leaders.
I hope you'll join me in nominating someone from your company. Together, we can make sure we have the next generation of leaders lined up and ready to carry on the legacy of our companies and the industry as a whole.
KCA and the U.S. 69 Project Team, along with the Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Turnpike Authority, hosted 23 legislators on May 29 for a briefing and behind-the-scenes tour of the Overland Park project. Legislators met at the project office for an overview and safety meeting, followed by a bus tour of the jobsite, and a Q&A lunch with KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed and Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber.
The modernization effort is slated for completion at the end of 2025 with express toll lanes opening in January 2026. It is being built by US69 Express Constructors, a joint venture by KCA members Emery Sapp & Sons and Ames Construction.
• 26 bridges
• 1 million yards of excavation
• 10 miles of storm pipe
• 670,000 sq yards of paving
• 5 interchanges
• 11 noise walls
• 20 subcontractors
• 500 craftspeople
• 15,000+ trainee hours
Middle
Middle Right: Rep. Jo Ella Hoye and Rep. Susan Ruiz talk with project leaders at one of the stops.
Bottom Left: Michael White, executive director of KCA, welcomes the group at the project office.
Bottom Right: Steve Rockers, senior project manager on the 69Express team, briefs legislators on the project.
BY BT&CO. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
What would happen if you had to step away from your business tomorrow? Would your organization thrive, or would it struggle to adapt? Stepping away is a significant decision, and it shouldn’t be left to chance. Every business will eventually require a transition of ownership or leadership. Whether it’s planned well in advance or prompted by unexpected circumstances, the process can significantly impact the future stability and success of your company.
A well-crafted transition plan ensures continuity, preserves value, and supports both your personal and organizational goals. It should provide a clear roadmap to navigate any leadership changes, whether those changes are expected or not. Without such a plan, transitions can cause considerable disruption and financial instability. To help you avoid these risks, here are some common mistakes leaders tend to make and how to address them effectively.
Neglecting or delaying transition planning
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is waiting too long to start planning for a transition. Many assume they will have plenty of time to hand over the reins in an orderly fashion, but unexpected events can derail even the best intentions.
Even if you don’t have a set timeline for stepping away, having a foundational plan ensures your business can handle sudden changes smoothly. Include management and financial advisors early in the process. They can help you spot risks you might otherwise miss, like weak financial reporting, and work with you to create a solid transition plan that positions your company for long-term success.
When one person handles the majority of responsibilities, the business becomes overly reliant on their presence. This creates a single point of failure and jeopardizes operations during a transition. Leaders should also be able to step
away for a vacation or a leave of absence without operations grinding to a halt. The goal is to establish systems and processes that allow the business to function seamlessly without you. This doesn’t mean you’re expendable but rather that you’ve built a resilient and sustainable structure.
To reduce dependency on any one individual, distribute mission-critical tasks among multiple team members. Responsibilities like financial oversight, client relationships, and operational management should be shared to ensure continuity.
Train senior staff to manage key functions to avoid disruptions. And consider outsourcing certain functions, like accounting or CFO services, to help distribute responsibilities and mitigate risks.
Transitions are far more difficult when a business hasn’t been monitoring its financial and operational sustainability. If earnings are tied to one individual or reliant on a single client or product line, it’s a major red flag that requires immediate attention. It also makes your business less attractive to potential buyers or successors. Financial vulnerabilities can significantly reduce the value of your business, limiting your options during an exit.
To minimize these risks, work with a professional to identify the most relevant metrics for your business
and establish a system for tracking them. Regularly reviewing financial reports and operational benchmarks can help you better understand your company’s financial health and pinpoint vulnerabilities. Proactively addressing any risks that arise ensures the stability of your business and positions it for an optimal valuation when the time comes for a transition.
Poorly maintained records can delay transitions and raise red flags for potential buyers or successors. Financial statements, contracts, and operational documents must be accurate, accessible, and up-to-date.
It’s also essential to document operating procedures and workflows. This documentation not only makes it easier for successors or temporary replacements to fill critical roles but also enhances the overall value of your business. Buyers or investors are more likely to view a business as stable and well-managed if they see comprehensive systems in place.
Maintain a centralized digital repository for key documents, categorized into areas like financial records, compliance materials, and operational procedures. Files should also be securely backed up and regularly updated.
Failing to consider the qualities needed in a successor
Choosing the wrong successor - or failing to define what the role requires - can undermine even the best-laid plans. Without a clear description of the role, companies may be left scrambling if an unexpected transition is necessary, often resulting in a hasty decision-making process that puts the organization at risk.
Take the time to develop a detailed profile of the skills, experience, and qualities needed for success in the role. Think about the tasks you handle daily and what someone would need to do if you weren’t around. Industry expertise, financial acumen, and leadership style are all important factors to consider. It’s often helpful to involve trusted colleagues or advisors in this process to ensure nothing critical is overlooked.
At the same time, mentor and train potential successors within your organization to prepare them for leadership roles. These steps will make it much easier to find a replacement if and when the time comes.
Neglecting strategic tax considerations
It’s important to consider your strategic goals well in advance. Do you want to train a family member or internal candidate to step into the role? Would you prefer a buy-out by a partner or external investor? Are you interested in establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan? These options all carry significant tax implications and require careful planning.
Consult trusted professionals early in the process to understand the tax and legal ramifications of your transition options. For instance, tax advisors may guide you through the process of establishing an ESOP and help you determine the most tax-efficient way to make your exit. Document their guidance to create a clear blueprint for the transition.
Founded in 1913, BT&Co. is a certified public accounting firm and a long-time member of KCA. They provide audit services, accounting, business consulting and tax services. For more information, contact Pepper David at (785) 234-3427 or pdavid@btco.cpa.
STATEWIDE WINNER
U166-011 KA 1005-02 - Emery Sapp & Sons
DISTRICT 1 - Under $1.5m
9-66 KA 3885-01 - Ebert Construction
DISTRICT 1 - $1.5m to $5m KA 5469-01 - Wildcat Construction
DISTRICT 1 - Over $5m 46 KA-6796-03 - Clarkson Construction
DISTRICT 2 - Under $1.5m I-135-059 KA 6752-01 - Wildcat Construction
DISTRICT 2 - Over $5m 40B-31 KA 3952-01 - King Construction
DISTRICT 3 - Under $1.5m 70-98 KA 7522-02 - Sporer Land Development
DISTRICT 3 - $1.5m to $5m
U281-092 KA 3937-01 - L&M Contractors
DISTRICT 3 - Over $5m 281-84 KA 2370-03 - Sporer Land Development
DISTRICT 4 - Under $1.5m
047-067 KA 6855-01 – Martin Outdoor Enterprises
DISTRICT 4 - $1.5m to $5m
U400-037 KA 7154-01 - Pearson Construction
DISTRICT 4 - Over $5m
U400-037 KA 5790-01- APAC Kansas-Shears
DISTRICT 5 - Under $1.5m
087 KA 6935-01 - Wildcat Construction
DISTRICT 5 - $1.5m to $5m
K14-80 KA 1007-05 - APAC Kansas-Shears
DISTRICT 5 - Over $5m
54-76 KA 6637-01 - Venture Corporation
DISTRICT 6 - $1.5m to $5m
50-29 KA 7163-01 - Venture Corporation
DISTRICT 6 - Over $5m
96-102 KA 7054-01 - Venture Corporation
CATEGORY 1
First Place: BRB Contractors
Runner-Up: Malm Construction
CATEGORY 2
First Place: Dustrol, Inc.
Runner-Up: L&M Contractors
CATEGORY 3
First Place: Klaver Construction
Runner-Up: A.M. Cohron & Son
CATEGORY 4
First Place: Superior Bowen
Runner-Up: MJE, LLC
CATEGORY 5
First Place: APAC Kansas-Shears
Runner-Up: Bettis Asphalt
PERFECT SAFETY RECORDS FOR ZERO LOST-TIME ACCIDENTS
APAC Kansas-Shears
BRB Contractors
Dustrol, Inc.
Klaver Construction
Malm Construction
MJE, LLC, Superior Bowen
THURSDAY NIGHT SPONSOR
OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR
THURSDAY BREAKFAST SPONSOR
AWARDS BREAKFAST SPONSORS
KEYNOTE LUNCH SPONSOR
ICE CREAM SOCIAL SPONSORS
CASINO SPONSOR
Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, headlined KCA's 103rd annual convention. The event drew 545 members and friends to the Overland Park Sheraton – the largest turnout in KCA history, topping record attendance numbers in 2023 and 2024.
The three-day event featured sessions on how to address labor shortages using the seasonal visa program with attorney Ashley Foret Dees; how to navigate state and federal policy changes with Rich Juliano of ARTBA; a panel discussion on the future of transportation funding with the Senate President, Speaker of the House and House Transportation Chairman; the popular Action Auction and a live concert by Landrush.
BREAK STATION SPONSORS
1: Tyler Francis, Gavel Roads Auctions, kicks off the bidding. 2: Joel Switzer, Switzer Steel, and Justin Vasquez, Central Power Systems, at the KCA casino. 3: Chris Snook, Bob Bergkamp Construction; Marvin Bedigrew, Associated Material Supply; and Gary Valadez, Hampel Oil. 4: Bryan Fox, Koss Construction and Doug Sommers, Monarch Cement Co. at ATSS' National Work Zone Memorial. 5: Josh Smith, Heather Smith and Alex Richmeier, Klaver Construction. 6: Marissa Griffin, Lindsay Erhart and Kenze Lee, Bettis Companies, at the ice cream social. 7: Doug Gordon and Noah Dorey, Dustrol; and Kyle Fox, Ergon.
1: House Transportation Chairman Shannon Francis, Senate President Ty Masterson and Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins speak about state funding for transportation. 2: Sam Harshman, Harshman Construction; Anthony Arellano, Berry Tractor; Maci Burnett, Harshman Construction; and Kaitlyn Ray, Berry Tractor, at the Action Auction. 3: Mike Roudybush and Shawn Riley, APAC Kansas-Shears. 4: Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. 5: Clay Adams, KDOT; Shannon Rech and Melissa Harlan, A.M. Cohron & Son, and Tony Menke, KDOT, try their luck at the Opening Night reception games. 6: Rob Roudybush, Hall Brothers, and Mike Schirmer, Bettis Companies, at the Opening Night bourbon tasting.
The 22.7-mile stretch of K-177 Highway between the Council Grove Reservoir and I-70 has long been a dangerous roadway, especially as travel between Council Grove and the Manhattan area continues to grow. In July 2021, Wildcat Construction was awarded the contracts to complete a $52.3 million comprehensive safety improvement on the two-lane highway.
The project scope consisted of adding 8’ shoulders (3’ paved + 5’ turf) to the existing roadway, structure replacements, structure widenings, and a scattering of short sections of complete roadway reconstruction. The tight schedule and amount of work required complete road closures with lengthy detours for motorists. To navigate this, Wildcat worked closely with landowners and the local communities to ensure access throughout construction, completing the projects on schedule in May 2024.
"The open door relationship that KDOT, Wildcat, our subcontractors, the designers and the local counties maintained for more than two years are what made a project of this magnitude come together successfully," said Roger McClellan, president of Wildcat Construction. "This investment has forever improved the safety of Kansans who live and work along K-177, and for residents making the daily commute between Council Grove and Manhattan."
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Project No. 177-64 KA-2368-01
• 9.23 miles
• 50 culverts
• 14 box culverts
• 1 span bridge, 2 box bridges
• 591,723 CY of dirt & shale excavation
• 240,617 CY of borrow dirt
• 39,668 CY of rock excavation
• 470,655 CY of embankment
• 84,000 tons of AB-3/AS-1 base rock
• 68,000 tons of hot mix asphalt
Project No. 177-31 KA-2369-01
• 13.45 miles
• 74 culverts
• 19 box culverts
• 2 box bridges
• 420,655 CY of dirt & shale excavation
• 376,129 CY of borrow dirt
• 191,090 CY of rock excavation
• 935,975 CY of embankment
• 114,000 tons of AB-3/AS-1 base rock
• 81,000 tons of hot mix asphalt
As prime, Wildcat completed the grading, bridges and drainage
Klaver Construction - Box culverts
Reece Construction - Box culverts
Shilling Construction - Asphalt paving
Roadsafe Traffic - Traffic control & striping
RFB Construction - Seeding & erosion control
Seeders, Inc. - Seeding & erosion control
Fulsom Brothers - Guardrails
Martin Outdoor Enterprises - Signage
Dustrol, Inc. - Asphalt milling
Garber Surveying - Surveying
Top Photos: A before and after view – workers blade the big curve on K-177 and the finished roadway looking south.
Bottom Photos: Setting piers and the bridge deck for one of five bridges on the project. The Geary County portion of the project also involved 12,000 tons of riprap and 15 rock blasting shots that equaled approximately 100,000 CY.
Travelers has been studying procurement methods on heavy construction projects for a few years. Can you tell us more about the study? Travelers developed our infrastructure study in 2020 to review trends in the marketplace that uential to contractor losses within the heavy civil construction industry. Our focus was on “jumbo” projects which we de ned as those with contract prices over $250 million. Today’s study goes back over two decades and includes 292 North American heavy civil projects with an average contract value of $800 million. We looked at a number of variables, but procurement method
stood out in our data as being a significant factor with respect to profitability. The procurement methods analyzed include Construction Manager/ General Contractor (CM/GC), Design-Build, DesignBid-Build, and Public–Private Partnership (P3). The study includes bridge, highway, rail/light rail, tunnel and other heavy projects. The study was last updated in 2024.
What have you learned from the study?
That procurement type matters. The data shows that Design-Build and P3 procurement methods are particularly challenging from a risk allocation
perspective because these procurement methods often require contractors to price jobs when the design is only 30% complete (or sometimes less). We also learned that projects using DesignBuild and P3 procurement methods are prone to difficulties, including higher underbillings, larger profit fades, and oftentimes delays.
With a growing movement toward alternative delivery methods on infrastructure projects, what surprised you about the study?
That over 50% of the heavy civil construction projects studied suffered profit fade. This study was made up of data from some of the most sophisticated and experienced contractors in the industry, but no one was immune from significant profit fades on procurement methods that required the contractor to price a job before the design was mature.
Why is the study important for the heavy construction industry to take note of?
Our data is showing that the more collaborative delivery methods, such as CM/GC and DesignBid-Build, lead to better outcomes for both the owners and contractors. While there is still additional data to collect, we are optimistic for future outcomes based upon what we have seen so far in our study. We’ll continue to update the data each year and continue to monitor trends. We hope that by providing this information to our clients and the industry, we can encourage both contractors and owners to select procurement methods that are beneficial to all parties involved.
When did you first notice alternative delivery in the industry and why do you think the heavy construction sector has been later to adapt?
Alternative delivery methods first gained traction in the wastewater marketplace after that industry experienced losses similar to what we highlight in our infrastructure study. Today, the wastewater marketplace is healthy, and owners are getting projects delivered on time while the contractors are earning an appropriate return for their risk. We see this as a "win-win" for the wastewater marketplace. We think balanced risk allocation typically leads to successful outcomes for owners and contractors. We are optimistic we will see similar results as the civil industry shifts towards more collaborative models.
What is the biggest takeaway from the study for heavy contractors?
That procurement method, risk allocation and pricing of risk are important drivers of project success for all parties – contractors, owners and taxpayers. Collaboration helps both contractors and owners succeed through fewer claims, realistic risk allocation, more realistic pricing and schedule certainty, and helps drive market stability.
Travelers, a long-time member of KCA, provides insurance, risk management and surety bonds for the heavy construction industry. For more information, contact Emilee Harwell, Managing Director of Bond & Specialty Insurance, at (913) 402-5401 or eharwell@travelers.com.
What products does Gades Traffic offer?
We can provide all materials needed to erect or maintain a signalized intersection, from the mast arm poles to the signals, pushbuttons, controller/ cabinet, detection, signing, and more. We also provide traffic calming devices such as radar speed signs, RRFB pedestrian crossings, wrong-way driving, and school zone beacons. Intelligent transportation systems are also part of our portfolio. Highway CCTV cameras, weather stations, dust detection systems, radar traffic counting/classification systems are all part of our expertise. We’ve also done specialized warning systems for Air Force Bases. We are currently expanding our portfolio to include other safety systems such as gun detection.
GADES SALES COMPANY, INC. (316) 943-1219
5801 W Harry Street Wichita, KS 67209 www.GadesTraffic.com
Anthony V. Mohatt, President/CEO Brigadier General (Ret.), U.S. Army amohatt@GadesTraffic.com
has been employed at Gades Sales for 40 years, starting as the file clerk and working her way up to inside sales, project management, and now General Manager.
How is AI impacting the traffic signal world?
(785) 672-4319 • sporer@sporerland.com P.O. Box 246, 431 US Hwy. 83, Oakley, KS 67748 sporerland.com
Sharon Quaney, General Manager squaney@GadesTraffic.com
AI has definitely become a part of the traffic world. New detection systems are using AI to detect and process traffic through intersections and corridors. This is just the start as we are seeing AI develop in many areas throughout the industry.
PROJECT EXAMPLE: Gades Sales supplied the traffic signal equipment and technical support for this project at the entrance
What geographic area do you serve? Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico.
Though you serve several states, Kansas is home for your company. Tell us about how it all began. Gades was started in 1948 by Fred Gades. It has been family-owned since inception. Anthony Mohatt, a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, is President & CEO of the company. Sharon Quaney
Josh Smith, president of Klaver Construction, was elected president of Kansas Contractors Association for 2025 during the association's annual meeting. The membership also elected Heather Jantz, MJE LLC, as vice president, and Mike Hoffman, Alan's Excavating, as treasurer. Shawn Riley, APAC Kansas-Shears, was elected to a director at-large position; and Trey Bowen, Superior Bowen, was re-elected to another term as director at-large. The Flexible Paving division nominated Rocky Seybert, Venture Corporation, to another term as Flexible Paving director. The Rigid Paving division nominated Mike Schirmer, Koss Construction and The Bettis Companies, to fill a mid-term vacancy as Rigid Paving director. As vice president, Jantz re-appointed Shane Ham, Foley Equipment, to another two-year term as a Supplier/Service Provider director.
States across the country are ramping up investment in projects that expand capacity or provide new roads and bridges, according to ARTBA’s analysis of data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The value of capacity expansion projects has risen since Fiscal Year 2022, along with the number of projects, roadway miles, and bridges being upgraded.
While major reconstruction and repair remains the primary focus of the Federal-Aid Highway Program — historically representing about half of all construction project costs — states are expanding investments in projects that add new capacity to the highway and bridge network.
Of the new federal-aid highway projects with construction work authorized in FY 2024, capacity improvements or new infrastructure accounted for 33 percent of total project value. This is up from 24 percent in FY 2022 and 22 percent in FY 2023. By comparison, these projects accounted for an average of 26 percent of federal-aid project costs under the previous federal law, known as the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) between 2016 and 2020.
States that received the green light to advance major capacity projects last year included Massachusetts, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, Arizona, South
Carolina, Idaho, Illinois, and Washington. Capacity improvements accounted for 40 percent or more of approved federal-aid highway construction project costs in these states.
Such projects could include adding a turn lane, improving interchanges, widening the roadway, or building a new highway or bridge where a structure did not exist before. Some may include both adding capacity and new construction, along with additional spending on planning and design work and safety measures.
In addition to federal-aid highway funds, states are leveraging their own state funds and, in some cases, additional private dollars to pay for the capacity projects.
The number of projects expanding capacity work or new construction between FY 2022 and FY 2024 has grown compared to previous years, with over 4,175 projects authorized to move forward. This compared to 2,750 projects receiving the goahead under the first three years of the FAST Act, between FY 2016 and FY 2018.
Every state has had at least one federal-aid highway project that includes expanding capacity since FY 2022, according to the data. In FY 2024, states with the most additional capacity projects
Michigan, California, Kansas, and Texas.
According to the data submitted by state transportation departments, projects approved since FY 2022 that include some work related to new capacity or construction are expected to improve nearly 7,140 miles (over twice the width of the United States) of roadway overall and 3,800 bridges. In contrast, projects approved between FY 2016 and FY 2018 supported upgrades to just under 5,400 miles of roadway and 2,100 bridges.
over 20,000 projects receiving approval to commit federal funds to the planning and design (P&D) phase of a project. This is in line with the number of P&D work on projects in the first three years of the FAST Act (19,850 projects) and significantly more than was approved in the previous three-year period, FY 2019 to 2021 (16,400 projects).
States continue to leverage federal-aid highway funds to prepare projects for construction, with
It is common for states to receive approval for P&D work for a project and then construction work in the same year or soon after. The uptick in the number of P&D projects is a sign of more work
Twenty-nine students were awarded a KCA Construction Education Foundation scholarship this year. Scholarships totaled $37,000 with additional funds reserved for internships. Scholarship winners who complete a summer internship with a KCA member contractor are eligible to receive a bonus scholarship.
Founded in 1989, the Foundation is the not-for-profit charitable arm of KCA. It funds scholarships, internships and equipment & programming needs for heavy construction at Kansas colleges. The Foundation's efforts are funded by the annual golf tournament at Colbert Hills (see this year's golf sponsors and winners on Page 27) and by contributions from individuals and companies.
For more information about Foundation scholarships, visit webuildkansas.com/scholarships. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will open in November and are due by March 14, 2026.
HERE'S WHAT THIS YEAR'S FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS SAY:
“Your support has made a significant impact on my journey. I hope to one day give back in the same way you have helped me.”
STROTHER TOLIN Eskridge, Kansas Construction Management
“I would not be where I am today without KCA and the connections, experience, and community that the scholarships and internships have blessed me with. Everything I have gained through KCA is priceless.”
The Spray Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by Doris Spray through the KCA Construction Education Foundation, helped fund scholarships this year for 14 students who are pursuing a career in heavy construction. In 1973, Doris and her husband, the late Orville "Butch" Spray Jr., bought an existing construction company in Larned. They renamed it Venture Corporation and eventually moved the company to Great Bend. Today, Venture Corporation is led by Doris and Butch's sons, Kip Spray and Chris Spray.
Nadine Stannard, owner and manager of Associated Material & Supply Co., passed away April 25
in Wichita. Stannard was a longtime industry leader and an active member of both KCA and the Kansas Aggregate Producers Association (KAPA/KRMCA). She served many years on KCA's convention and auction committee.
Fred Wiman, a longtime KCA member and former KCA board member, passed away Feb. 6 at his home in Olathe. Wiman was a lifelong banker, retiring in 2011 from BMO Bank. During his career he focused on commercial lending with specialization in construction. He served on the boards of AGC of America, the Kansas Contractors Association and the Missouri Contractors Association.
LEXECO Excavation & Grading (913) 727-1234 www.lexeco.com
5037 S. 4th | Leavenworth, KS 66048
Matt Kaaz, President - Matt@lexeco.com
Greg Kaaz, Vice President - Greg@lexeco.com
Lauren Kaaz, Vice President - Lauren@lexeco.com
IBC Traffic
Traffic Control & Pavement Marking (816) 220-0812 www.ibctraffic.com
2400 Allen Terrace | Kansas City, MO 64108
Heather Agee - events@ibctraffic.com
Commercial Capital Equipment Financing (913) 341-0053 www.ccckc.com
13910 W 96th Terrace | Lenexa, KS 66215
Alexandra Patterson - alexandrapatterson@ccckc.com
Power Equipment Co. Equipment sales, service, rentals, parts and supplies (913) 708-3201 www.power-equip.com
3701 N. Skiles Ave. | Kansas City, MO 64161
Jeff Barnett - jbarnett@power-equip.com
Geiger Ready-Mix, led by CEO Todd Geiger, is planning to construct a concrete batch plant south of Highway 10. The facility will be located on 15 acres of a 38-acre tract of land with the remaining 23 acres available for light industrial development. With the company's commitment to extend public utilities and pave a portion of Evening Star Road, Geiger's total investment in the project will be more than $36 million.
Jamie Elgas has joined Foley Equipment as Chief People Officer. Elgas will oversee HR, recruitment, training and development, as well as administrative support across Foley’s 17 locations. She most recently served as Senior Director and Vice President of Talent at JE Dunn Construction.
Chrissy Graheck has joined Echo GPR Services as Director of Business Development. The Olathe-based company provides ground penetrating radar services for concrete scanning and utility locating/mapping.
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
1st Place
Doug Sommers, Scott Willman, Travis Rose and Andrew Douglass
2nd Place
Roger McClellan, Curt Kitson, Chris Eichman and Rob Eichman
3rd Place
Bryan Fox, Chris Berroth, Devin Hobbs and Kelly Briggs
1st Place
Taylor Bessmer, Radley Arnold, Dave Duncan and MIke Roudybush
2nd Place
Rocky Cornejo, Josh Dodd, Phil Wait and Ben Schirer
3rd Place
Jordan Toogood, Chris Snook, Jarret Gowdy and Steve Cros
1st Place
Allan Gardner, Chris Spray, Doug Francis and Jeff Barnes
2nd Place
Jim Fagan, Todd Rambo, Jeff Ciecko and Kirk Welch
3rd Place
Rod Jerrick, Tom Robl, Phil Nusser and Darren Fishel
Closest to the Pin - Jack Lauer
Longest Drive - Devin Hobbs
Longest Putt - Brandon Grubbs
Golf Trip Raffle - Jim Fagan
KCA's not-for-profit arm – the KCA Construction Education Foundation – netted more than $32,000 for heavy construction scholarships and internships at its June 5 ConEd Golf Tournament. The sold-out event at Colbert Hills in Manhattan drew 144 players and more than 40 sponsors.
All profits from the tournament go toward scholarships and paid internships where students can gain hands-on experience in heavy construction by working with a KCA member. Special thanks to our tournament sponsors for investing in our next generation and making the event such a success!
Berry Tractor
Bettis Companies
BRB Contractors, Inc.
Central Plains Cement
Construction Anchors
Coreslab Structures
Crafco Inc.
Crane Agency
Inc.
Sand & Gravel
Truck Trailers/
Enterprises
Trucking,
Sporer Land Development
Switzer Steel
The Miller Group
Venture Corp.
Walters-Morgan Construction
Wildcat Construction Co.
BY MICHAEL WHITE KCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Summer is my favorite time of the year. There are orange cones popping up all over and the Legislature is adjourned, which gives me the chance to hit the road again and see some of our KCA member-built projects in action.
This summer, we've launched a new social media marketing series – called On the Road Kansas – to highlight the work you are doing across the state. Oftentimes, in the middle of one of the busiest seasons for our industry, we know it is difficult to find the time to promote your own projects. That's where we come in.
Infrastructure projects impact Kansans and their communities every day – whether its making the commute safer for farmers and families like the Morris-Geary county project profiled on the cover of this issue, or its paving the way for new economic development in our state, like the De Soto project for the Panasonic plant or the 69Express project legislators recently toured in Johnson County. Every project, large or small, makes a difference for the people and
the businesses who rely on the roads, bridges, sidewalks and utilities that KCA members build and maintain. Highlighting everyday projects helps us tell the story of transportation, recognize the workers behind each project and promote the importance of using KCA-member contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
We'll be profiling a different local or state project every week on Facebook. But, we need your help to keep the momentum going!
Please share your projects with us so we can highlight your work and your company. Just snap a picture of the completed project or of your team in action on a project and email it to stephanie@webuildkansas.com along with some information on where the project is, what's involved with the project, and which KCA member contractors/subcontractors are working on it. Check out our Facebook page for examples.
We're excited to promote your work and to be back on the road again!
800 SW Jackson, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66612
WeBuildKansas.com
The Monarch Cement Company-sponsored team of Travis Rose, Scott Willman, Andrew Douglass and Doug Sommers won the championship flight in this year's ConEd Golf Tournament with a 55. They were among 144 players to participate in KCA's annual Construction Education Foundation tournament at Colbert Hills, which raises funds for heavy construction scholarships.