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Public Works outlines grant strategy, declines some grant fits for Old 77 paving
Summary
Public Works reported on grant options, said a Flat Funding program is a poor fit for large shouldering and microsurfacing work on Old 77 (estimated >$900,000), and noted a KDOT innovative technologies grant application has been submitted for pavement-condition assessment.
During a routine county meeting, Public Works Administrator Jeremy Myers reviewed several funding and project updates, advising commissioners against applying for a state 'flat funding' program for a shouldering/paving project on Old 77 because the program prioritizes non-maintenance projects and the county's estimated project cost exceeded $900,000.
Myers said the county has been exploring grants for shouldering, microsurfacing and restriping but learned the program had limited statewide funds (about $700,000) and low ranking for maintenance-type applications. He proposed focusing on other grant opportunities rather than expending engineering costs on a likely unsuccessful application.
Myers also reported the county has submitted an application to a Kansas Department of Transportation 'innovative technologies' grant for pavement-condition assessment and a pavement-management plan and expects a decision by December. He noted long-term costs and scheduling constraints (asphalt plants close for winter) affect timing for any paving work.
Separately, staff described a recent large rural home-based processing facility project (~$834,000) that was permitted by right under a state bill referenced in the meeting and discussed a KDHE septic-assistance award of $50,000 to help low-income residents replace failing septic systems.
Commissioners asked staff to continue assessing grant options and to gather better cost estimates before pursuing large grant applications.
