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Commissioner proposes removing $1M county match for Northwest Expressway, eyeing reallocations
Summary
Commissioner Howe proposed eliminating a $1,000,000 county allocation (a KDOT match funded by the one-cent sales tax) for the Northwest Expressway this year and redirecting funds to other projects such as ARC 95; staff warned that removing the $1M would affect CIP planning and partner commitments.
Commissioner Howe asked the board to consider eliminating the county's $1,000,000 contribution to the Northwest Expressway for 2025, arguing the county is saving without a clear plan for the project and that the state or federal partners must demonstrate commitment before the county continues to set aside funds.
"I don't see a point in doing this at this time," Howe said, arguing the county should reallocate to projects "that I think is viable as ARC 95." Public Works staff (Lynn) clarified the funds come from the one-cent sales tax and that reducing the county's contribution would change CIP allocations and partner notices; she also noted KDOT will match up to the county's contribution and the county's current contract with KDOT expires next year. Several commissioners discussed phased approaches and partial reallocations ($200,000–$400,000 suggested) rather than full removal.
Staff was asked to provide the impacts on the CIP and partner agreements so the board can consider formal motion language at the upcoming budget vote.
