Council authorizes $65,500 obligation for KDOT AI transportation evaluation, reimbursed grant to cover most costs

Park City Council on Sept. 23 authorized the mayor to execute an Innovative Technology Award Agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation obligating $65,500 for a transportation network evaluation that will use artificial intelligence.

Staff said the grant is reimbursement‑based; the council had earlier approved a motion reflecting only the local match of roughly $16,375, but the KDOT agreement requires the city to obligate the full project amount of $65,500 and then seek reimbursement. "The grant is funded through reimbursement requiring the obligation to reflect the total amount of $65,500 as opposed to the motion which was made for $16,375," staff told the council.

A councilmember asked for confirmation that the city would put up $65,500 up front and be reimbursed for all but about $16,375; staff confirmed that understanding. Councilmember Jim Schrader moved to authorize the mayor to execute the agreement with KDOT with the $65,500 obligation to be paid from the street and highway fund; Troy Hill seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff said the project will evaluate the city’s transportation network using AI tools; no additional contract amendments or city matches beyond the reimbursable process were recorded in the meeting notes.

The council recorded the motion and directed staff to proceed with execution and reimbursement processing under KDOT rules.