BUCKLIN – Today, Governor Laura Kelly congratulated the City of Bucklin for receiving $1 million in Cost Share funds as administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). This project will improve street lighting and sidewalks along Main Street.
“Congratulations to the City of Bucklin for receiving $1 million in the latest round of Cost Share funding,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By working with our local partners to invest in our communities, our Cost Share program is improving road safety, mobility, and helping recruit new families and businesses to our state. This project is proof that when we work together to make smart investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”
A component of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE, the Cost Share program is designed to help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion and improve access and mobility. Bucklin was among 20 transportation construction projects selected for the fall 2021 Cost Share recipients.
“Preserving and advancing our small community is a passion for the residents of Bucklin, and KDOT’s Cost Share Program will give us the opportunity to make vital improvements,” said Chambre Breuer, a citizen of Bucklin. “The sidewalk and lighting project will immediately contribute to the health and safety of our community, boost our economic energy and attract new residents and businesses to Bucklin. We are grateful our children and families will soon have safe pathways that connect the school, business district and recreational areas.”
The project will replace sidewalks along K-34, also known as Main Street, through Bucklin and add 47 sidewalk ramps. It also includes 37 light poles, school crossing lights and various grading and pavement improvements that will benefit the community. The city will contribute a 22% match towards the project’s cost.
Demand is high for Cost Share transportation dollars. Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager for KDOT, said 84 communities requested more than $54.5 million in funding for this, the fifth round of the Cost Share program.
“KDOT was impressed with how this round of Cost Share projects hit markers for economic development, safety and community support,” said Needham. “KDOT and our Cost Share partners are working collaboratively to expedite delivery on selected projects.”
KDOT is investing $9.4 million in this cycle of Cost Share, leveraging more than $5.3 million in community matching dollars, a total of $14.8 million in funding through state and local partnerships. Over the initial five rounds of Cost Share, more than 100 projects have received more than $96 million in state funding.
