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Finney County approves $273,000 commitment for Maple Street safety project; rumble-strip debate remains
Summary
The county approved a KDOT HRRR safety project on Maple Street, accepting a Venture Corporation low bid and committing a rounded county share of $273,000 from the special highway fund. Commissioners discussed rumble strips and noise impacts but approved the award.
Finney County commissioners voted to accept the low bid from Venture Corporation and approve a Federal FFY2025 High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) safety project on Maple Street from Taylor Avenue to VFW Road, committing a county portion of $273,000 from the special highway fund.
McKenzie Phillips, development and administrative coordinator, presented project details and funding. KDOT-selected bids included Venture Corporation at $673,477 and APAC Kansas at $905,813; construction engineering (CE) by Kaw Valley Engineering is estimated not to exceed $25,786, putting the total anticipated project cost at $700,223. Under the HRRR program the federal share typically covers 90% of eligible construction and CE; the county is responsible for nonparticipating costs such as a 1-inch mill and 2-inch overlay and a 10% local match on participating elements. Phillips said KDOT rounded the county’s total fiscal responsibility to $273,000; staff recommended accepting the Venture bid and approving the commitment to be paid from the special highway fund (current balance shown in staff materials at $4,622,889.81).
Commissioners discussed the inclusion of centerline rumble strips and a 2-foot paved shoulder. One commissioner questioned the need for rumble strips on a stretch with a posted 40 mph limit and raised concerns about noise for neighbors and potential pavement deterioration. Phillips and staff noted KDOT’s strong preference for rumble strips as a safety measure; a county engineer would be available to discuss possible change orders after award if commissioners later sought to remove that feature.
After discussion, a motion to award the contract to Venture Corporation and authorize the county’s $273,000 commitment passed by voice vote. The county administrator and engineering staff were directed to execute contract documents and proceed with project administration.
Ending: The Maple Street HRRR project will move forward with Venture Corporation as the apparent low bidder; commissioners may pursue change-order options on nonessential features such as rumble strips after contract award.
