I'm opening this thread to provide a home for discussions of a possible successor to T-Works, Kansas' current comprehensive highway program, which is due to expire in 2020.
An article in this morning's Wichita
Eagle, which focuses on the $3.3 billion that has been diverted from Kansas highways over the past 20 years, mentions a bill (Sub for SB 285) currently being considered by the Legislature that would set up a task force to design a T-Works followup.
http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article199612959.html
QuoteColyer offered no concrete proposal or timeline for ending the shift of money from highways to other areas. Former Gov. Sam Brownback's budget proposal for next year continues taking money from highways , and Brownback said Colyer took the lead in its development.
Asked for clarification, spokeswoman Kara Fullmer said Friday the governor is calling for a task force on transportation "to identify the best path forward, including considering appropriate timing for ending the use of sweeps."
QuoteCurrently, the Kansas Department of Transportation has 23 delayed projects. The agency began announcing project delays in 2016 amid a budget gap of $350 million that was later resolved by lawmakers.
The current delayed projects are valued at more than $525 million, according to a list provided by KDOT on Friday.
They include 10 projects to update existing roads, and 13 expansion projects that add lanes or new interchanges. Among the delayed projects:
Modernize K-14 in Reno County. Estimated construction cost of $47 million.
Modernize US-281 in Russell County. Estimated construction cost of $39.9 million.
Expand US-50 in Ford County. Estimated construction cost of $37 million.
QuoteThe Senate passed a bill last week to create a transportation task force that will identify projects for a new plan. The task force would also evaluate whether current funding is sufficient, and report back to lawmakers in January 2019.
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 12, 2018, 03:18:10 PM
QuoteColyer offered no concrete proposal or timeline
Heh, I would hope this is an intended pun.
I'm tired of people taking stuff from the highway funds. Keep your hands out of our pockets.
One would think that Brownback would be an advocate for better roads, as they promote business development and investment. Short sighted.