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Wyandotte County staff outline Vision Zero plan and prepare SS4A grant application
Summary
Public works and planning staff described the Vision Zero (Safe Streets and Roads for All) action‑plan timeline, grant eligibility and a vetted short list of about 20–25 high‑injury locations; staff recommended up to five priority project locations to include in a potential SS4A implementation application, with adoption of the plan required before applying.
Public works and planning staff presented the county's Vision Zero action plan and the next steps needed to pursue competitive federal and state transportation‑safety grants.
Sarah Schaefer, a public works representative, said the adoption of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) action plan "provides eligibility for grant opportunities," and emphasized that an adopted plan must be posted online at the time an SS4A implementation application is submitted.
The presentation, led by planning co‑lead Alyssa Marcy and consultant Anthony Gallow of Kimley‑Horn, summarized a multistep screening process that combined a quantitative crash‑risk assessment, steering‑committee vetting and coordination with partner cities and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). Gallow said the process narrowed the countywide list to roughly 20–25 locations and that staff recommends packaging about five priority project locations for an SS4A application, with an example distribution of three in Kansas City, Kansas, one in Bonner Springs and one in Edwardsville.
Why it matters: SS4A implementation grants can fund design and construction of intersection and corridor safety projects and often provide large awards (the 2025 average award cited was about $10 million; applications may seek up to $25 million). SS4A applications require a locally adopted plan, a demonstrated history of serious‑injury or fatal crashes at project sites and a local match (staff noted a typical 20 percent match and identified the Build Kansas Fund as a potential source for that match).
Staff timeline and next steps: presenters said the planning document was expected to be finalized by April 1 and brought forward for adoption by early June so the Unified Government (UG) could meet the SS4A application window anticipated in late spring. Staff said the application would identify up to five priority locations and include planning‑level cost estimates; if awarded, funding would likely be available in 2026–27 and implementation would follow in subsequent years.
Commissioner questions and local concerns: Commissioners asked about past success applying for SS4A implementation awards; Schaefer said the Unified Government had received federal and state transportation grants in the past but had not previously been eligible for the SS4A implementation round until the planning component was completed. Commissioner Ramirez singled out 7th and Southwest Boulevard as a "Catalyst" location on the short list and urged pursuit of funding there; Commissioner Burns and others asked staff to evaluate 18th Street near I‑70 for signage, vegetation and safety improvements.
No formal action was taken on the Vision Zero presentation (item 4.1 was for information only). Staff said they would return with a final plan and, if adopted by the commission, a resolution authorizing staff to pursue applicable grants.
