Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
KDOT study spotlights Pratt County traffic as House bill 2470 nears final action, commissioner says
Summary
Heather presented KDOT's Southwest Kansas study and told the commission that House Bill 2470 reached the governor March 27 and could become law today if no further action is taken; the study shows heavy truck and freight traffic through Pratt County and recommends considering a bypass or 4-lane expansions.
Heather, a county contact presenting a KDOT study, told the Pratt County Commission that House Bill 2470 (a neighborhood revitalization bill) reached the governor on March 27 and that, "The bill will become law today if no other action is taken on it." She walked the board through KDOT's Southwest Kansas highway expansion analysis, highlighting high two-way truck volumes and congestion on routes through Pratt County and projections that Pratt could see substantial job growth between 2024 and 2060.
The presentation mapped existing passing lanes and four-lane corridors and showed that Pratt County stands out regionally for daily traffic and truck counts. Heather said the study's public-input priorities were reducing serious injuries and minimizing daily congestion; county data showed entire corridors in Pratt County with traffic volumes that, in the study's terms, warrant additional state investment. She emphasized that the county should advocate for inclusion in the next KDOT transportation plan and noted that a new governor and secretary of transportation in November will shape priorities.
Commissioners asked for the study PDF and for clarification on employment and population projections. Heather explained the projection methodology (birth rates, industry development and proximity to other metros) and agreed to share the KDOT materials with the commission for follow-up. The presentation set the groundwork for future county advocacy on state transportation funding.
