Governor Kelly Announces Over $8.77M for Rural Road Safety Improvements
Topeka–Governor Laura Kelly has announced over $8.77 million in federal funds will go toward 13 projects to enhance safety on rural roadways in Kansas. The effort is part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program.
“Kansas’ rural roads are an integral part of our state’s transportation system, playing a key role in connecting communities and supporting the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These funds will provide crucial assistance to local governments across Kansas as they deliver projects to improve safety in our rural communities.”
In addition to the $8.77 million in federal funding, nearly $1.4 million in local matching funds will make these projects possible. This year’s 13 HRRR projects were selected from 32 applications seeking $28.2 million in federal funds.
“More than 50% of Kansas’ fatal and serious injury crashes happen on the local road system,” said Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation Calvin Reed. “The High Risk Rural Roads Program targets funding where it will have the most impact in reducing roadway fatality and serious injury crashes.”
Projects in this program fall into one of two categories: Systemic – encompassing a local roadway network; or Site Specific.
The selected projects and amount awarded in southwest Kansas are below:
| County | Category | Amount Awarded | County Match | Description of Project |
| Grant | Site Specific | $945,000 | $233,000 | Add 2-inch asphalt widening and pavement marking on Road 21 from K-25 east 4.5 miles |
| Kearny | Systemic | $420,000 | N/A | Upgrade signing on all major collectors and paved minor collectors |
To learn more about the HRRR program, visit the website.
