Reportedly, KDOT wants to obligate half of the $10 million within 120 days. That means the other half will be obligated after that. The stimulus TE funds are 100% federal monies--no 20% local match required. However, those governmental entities that do provide a match will score higher in the ranking process of applications. Any match can be in-kind such as the value of design work or labor that will be provided.
To date there is no firm application deadline but it probably will be by the end of March. However, KDOT needs to have by the end of Friday 27 February a one-paragraph description of the project, total project cost estimate and indication if the design work can be completed within 60 or so days. Apparently, this is just indicating an interest in pursuing an application but it is not a firm commitment. A public official can just fax a signed letter to Joel Skelley, KDOT Multimodal Planner by 4:30 pm Friday His phone number is 785-296-4209 (call for fax number) or by e-mail.
KDOT will want to spread the money around the state and not have one single project use up a good chunk of the money, so it is likely that smaller grant requests will be looked upon more favorably.
Several Kansas cities have indicated they are planning to apply for stimulus TE funds for development of multi-use paths. These projects include: 1) Extension of the Landon Trail in Topeka from 25th Street south; (2) Construction of a two-mile path along the Cottonwood River in Emporia which will link two parks; (3) Extension of the Burroughs Creek Trail in Lawrence plus feeder trails into adjacent neighborhoods; and, (4) Construction of a rail-trail within the city of Marysville.
Steve O'Neal with Marshall County Connection reports that construction will start this spring on the first two miles of the Blue River Rail-Trail (part of the Homestead Trail). Crushed limestone will be laid down on the railroad bed going north from the city of Marysville. The path will connect with the rail-trail in the city limits of Marysville being developed by the City. The Sunflower Foundation has provided part of the development funding for the Blue River Rail-Trail.
Cecile Kellenbarger with Prairie Travelers, Inc. reports that construction is underway of a runway overpass over the Prairie Sunset Trail west of Wichita. An adjacent landowner is spending $100,000 to build an overpass over the rail-trail for his landing strip. This is the first of its kind in Kansas.
KanBikeWalk is in the process of getting authorization of Share the Road car license plates. They will have to raise $10,000 for a set-up fee. The tags will have a bicycle emblem plus the slogan.