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Commission debates KDOT safety project for Old Highway 83, tables decision for more information
Summary
Staff said Old Highway 83 received $600,000 in federal HRRR funds for safety improvements; county’s nonparticipating share was estimated at $121,000. Commissioners expressed concern about spending on a recently paved road and about centerline rumble strips; the motion to approve failed and the board voted to table the agreement pending accident data and more details.
County staff presented an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) project on Old Highway 83. Staff said Finney County was awarded $600,000 in federal funding for the project; eligible federal funds may cover a minimum of 90% of eligible construction and construction engineering costs under the HRRR program. The county would be responsible for 100% of preliminary engineering and 10% of construction and construction engineering, with a staff‑expressed estimate of $121,000 (PE $55,000; construction $10,000; CE $56,000) to be paid from the special highway fund (current fund balance shown as $4,850,006.39).
The proposed work includes centerline rumble strips, retroreflective pavement markings, 18‑inch aggregate shoulders, curb warning signage and flattening/widening of floor slopes. Commissioners questioned whether the improvements were necessary on a segment repaved recently; one commissioner argued the roadway is newly paved and in good condition and opposed spending county funds on the project. Another commissioner voiced concerns about rumble strips damaging asphalt. Staff and an administrator noted a recent accident involving a cyclist on Old Highway 83 and said safety was the reason the project was pursued.
A motion to approve the agreement failed for lack of a second. An alternative motion to deny approval also failed. Commissioners then requested additional information (accident details and whether shoulders would prevent similar incidents) and voted to table the item to the next meeting; staff agreed to provide the requested data and further conversation about desired safety elements. The board voted to table the matter by a recorded unanimous voice vote.
