Ottawa and Wellsville propose infrastructure upgrades to address flooding and safety hazards

The Build Kansas Advisory Committee meeting on July 22, 2025, focused on community infrastructure improvements in Ottawa and Wellsville, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and better roadways to accommodate housing growth.

Committee members discussed the Community Street Assistance Program (CSAP), which aims to upgrade street infrastructure in response to increased housing development in these areas. The program is designed to ensure that local roadways can support current and future growth patterns effectively.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was flooding, particularly due to the proximity of the Meridizine River and the presence of 48 low-lying waterways in the county. To address this issue, the committee proposed several demonstration projects aimed at improving safety and traffic management. These projects will focus on pedestrian crossings along Main Street in Ottawa and Wellsville, preventing motorists from entering flooded areas, managing speeds in high-risk corridors, and implementing one-way driving measures.

The proposed testing equipment for these projects includes innovative solutions such as rubber sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, temporary solar-powered flashing signs, solar-powered flood markers, electronic message boards, and speed radar systems.

Additionally, the county is seeking an exemption from the standard 5% applicant match requirement for funding, citing the collaborative nature of their application. A letter detailing this request was included in the application packet for review.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and infrastructure in response to growth and environmental challenges.