ELKHART – Today, Governor Laura Kelly congratulated Morton County for receiving $700,000 in Cost Share funds. This project will replace the gravel surface of S Boulevard from K-27 to 975 S Boulevard providing all-weather access to the Syracuse Dairy which operates 24 hours a day and ships fresh milk 365 days per year.
“Congratulations to Morton County for receiving $700,000 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, innovative investments in our foundation, all Kansans see results.”
A component of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan transportation plan, 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. Morton County was among 30 transportation construction projects selected for the Spring 2021 Cost Share recipients.
“We are very pleased Morton County has been approved for state funds as part of the KDOT Spring 2021 Cost Share Program,” said Bill Light, Morton County Commissioner. “We know this type of infrastructure improvement will have a positive economic impact on our community and hopefully provide incentive to all agriculture businesses to locate in Morton County.
“This project has been on hold because of limited funding, but now with the Cost Share Program, we can help make it happen.”
Demand is high for Cost Share transportation dollars. Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager for KDOT, said 117 communities requested more than $103 million in funding for this, the fourth 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. “Recognizing the need to support economic recovery, KDOT and our Cost Share partners are working collaboratively to expedite delivery on selected projects.”
KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients contributing a combined total 50/50 match of $21 million, a total of $42 million in funding through state and local partnerships. The agency took advantage of 2020 federal coronavirus relief funds by doubling the available Cost Share funding for this round. Selection criteria was adjusted to consider hardships caused by the pandemic and points were added to communities that endured above-average economic loss.
