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Wichita seeks up to $38 million in federal 'PROTECT' funds to address core‑area flooding
Summary
Public Works will submit a Protect grant application seeking about $38 million in federal funds (roughly $48 million project cost) to reconstruct storm sewers and streets in Wichita’s central core to reduce nuisance and life‑safety flooding and promote infill development.
The City Council on Feb. 15 authorized staff to submit a federal Protect (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost‑Saving Transportation) grant application to fund drainage and street reconstruction across Wichita’s central core.
Public Works staff presented maps and photos showing areas where aging infrastructure and flat topography cause recurring street and neighborhood flooding. The department’s preliminary cost estimate for the proposed program of work is about $48 million, with a federal funding request of just over $38 million and a required local match of approximately $9.5 million, officials said.
Gary Janssen, Public Works and Utilities, told council the proposed improvements would include new storm sewer infrastructure across neighborhoods bounded roughly by Broadway, Hillside, Central and Ninth Street, reconstruction of Murdoch Avenue to improve access to the hospital campus, and structural measures (for example, flap gates and seawall‑type work) to reduce backflow from the Wichita Drainage Canal into the Frisco Drain. He said the upgrades would be paired with street reconstruction where the city’s pavement preservation schedule supports simultaneous work.
Janssen said the project is intended to reduce nuisance and life‑safety flooding, improve access to critical facilities including Via Christi hospital, and make underdeveloped parcels more attractive for infill development. “We’re confident that if we’re able to make these improvements, we can make this a more viable area, make properties most likely more developable, and bring vibrancy back to this core area,” he said.
Staff noted the Protect program is highly competitive and encouraged letters of support, which officials said strengthen applications. Janssen said the city has been working with the state infrastructure hub and the Build Kansas program on local‑match options and would use some CIP stormwater funds as needed.
Council members asked whether partial awards were possible; Janssen said the federal agency has in some cases recommended scope changes or partial awards and the city could reapply in future rounds. The council authorized submission, acceptance upon award, any necessary budget adjustments, and signatures. The vote was 7–0.
If awarded, staff said design would begin immediately and funds would need to be obligated by fall 2028 under the grant timeline. The city will continue outreach to neighborhood groups, state and federal legislators and other stakeholders to assemble supportive letters and documentation.
