Six public transit projects in Wyandotte County totaling over $1.25 million will receive federal funding, according to an announcement from Gov. Laura Kelly.
The Unified Government grants were part of a $13.2 million total with 48 public transit projects across the state of Kansas, according to a news release.
Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez joined and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz joined the governor for the announcement, according to the wnews release.
The Unified Government transit grants included:
• Bus facility modernization, $431,778;
• Fleet modernization, $271,440;
• Paratransit software enhancements, $16,560;
• Accident incident management system, $15,300;
• Micro transit expansion, $394,144; and
• Non-emergency medical transportation pilot program, $124,168.
“A strong, safe public transportation system is critical to our state’s economy and quality of life,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Projects like wheelchair accessible busses, upgraded bus facilities, and route and parking lot enhancements will ensure Kansans have access to adequate, safe, and well-maintained public transportation.”
That money will go to 26 transit agencies as part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.
The announcement took place Thursday at the OCCK, Inc., Transportation complex in Salina in an expanded bus facility funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK. The 16,000 square-foot expansion was completed in November 2021.
“This work reflects the tremendous partnership between all levels of government,” FTA Administrator Fernandez said. “In addition to funding new bus facilities and improving transit service, the grants support the purchase of low- or no-emission buses. That work throughout Kansas will accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation system, and help keep our skies blue, our water clean and our climate more predictable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Both urban and rural transit providers receive support from the AIC program, which will improve transit access and services for Kansans. The projects have a total cost of about $17 million, with the AIC program providing about $13 million ($2 million state, $11 million federal) of the funds.
In the first two years of the AIC program, KDOT will have awarded $21 million in funding for a total project cost of $26 million.
“The AIC Public Transit Program combines state and federal resources that will enhance access to transit, invest in emerging technologies and form collaborations with public and private transportation providers,” Secretary Lorenz said. “I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve established to improve transportation services and options for Kansans.”
Project types include constructing bus maintenance facilities to aid in fleet management, upgraded transit accessibility following the Americans with Disabilities Act, advanced technologies, and expanded low emissions transit operations.
Rep. Davids announces infrastructure funds for transit
Rep. Sharice Davids’ office announced on Saturday that Kansas will receive $49.3 million under the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade and expand local transit in Kansas, and $27.2 million will go to local transit projects in the Kansas City area.
“The bipartisan infrastructure law is delivering safer, more reliable, and more environmentally friendly options for Kansans to get where they need to go,” Rep. Davids, D-3rd Dist., said. “More accessible transit options means more people can get to their jobs, to school, and to greater opportunity. I’m glad to help deliver that to our community through this historic and long-overdue investment.””
Rep. Davids was the host for Secretary Pete Buttigieg on a KCATA electric bus in January.
This historic investment will allow local transit authorities like the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) to buy new buses and railcars, address repair backlogs, modernize fleets, and transition to new technologies that reduce carbon emissions. With strong Buy America requirements on steel, iron, and other materials necessary for transit projects, this investment will have compounding positive impacts on Kansas’ workforce and economy, according to Rep. Davids.
“We are so grateful to Congresswoman Sharice Davids for her unwavering commitment to passing and now implementing the Infrastructure Bill that will deliver critical investment in Kansas, and throughout our region,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA-RideKC president and CEO. “Congresswoman Davids understand that public transit is that one thing that connects all the dots. Whether its jobs, education, healthcare or affordable housing, public transportation and related infrastructure is the great connector and equalizer in our communities.”
Davids, who serves as vice chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, previously announced that in fiscal year 2022, bipartisan infrastructure law is bringing $500 million to improve Kansas roads, $225 million to repair Kansas bridges, more than $13 million for airports in the 3rd District and $79 million for water infrastructure across Kansas. The law has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.