City of Concordia to Submit Application for Transportation Alternatives Program Project
The City of Concordia plans to submit a full application to the Kansas Department of Transportation for the Concordia Sidewalks for School project through the Transportation Alternatives Program. Online applications are due May 17th.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is accepting applications for $30 million in available grant funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program. These funds help communities implement projects that have significant local and regional impacts for people walking, cycling and rolling. Eligible projects include the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure to access public transportation, accessibility improvements, improvements to the state's scenic or environmental assets, projects supporting Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs and more.
The Concordia Sidewalk for School project would include the addition and replacement of sidewalks, and the addition of three modern crosswalks, connecting Concordia Middle School to the residential areas northwest and south of Concordia Middle School, as well as to the Concordia Sports Complex and Concordia Elementary School. This project would provide a safer pedestrian crossing of K 9 Highway/east 6th Street Trafficway, east 7th Street, and east 9th Street with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon, or RRFB, signage. It would also provide ADA-compliance sidewalk ramps and would replace the bridge crossing at the drainage way along east 7th Street.
This project as proposed is estimated to cost $1,032,931 for design and construction, plus an estimated $24,000 in right-of-way or easement acquisition. Due to Concordia's current demographics, the city is eligible for 100 percent funding of eligible project expenses, to be paid on a reimbursement basis, similar to other federal grants the city has received. Right-of-way or easement acquisition and utility relocation would be the city's responsibility, the needed extent of which would be determined during the design phase of the project.
The Concordia City Commission voted Wednesday, May 1st to authorize Mayor Chuck Lambertz to sign their application for the Concordia Sidewalks for School project. Concordia City Manager Amy Lange said letters of support will also be needed for this application from USD 333 Concordia, parent/teacher organizations, local businesses, and area residents who believe this project will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in this area of the community.
This round of funding will be made available for projects ready to implement and construct during Federal Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
Also during Wednesday's Concordia City Commission, the commission approved the purchase of a Grasshopper 725 DT 72" mower from Krier Mower and Electric in the amount of $19,140.30 for the Concordia Parks Department.