TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $31.5 million will be awarded for 31 projects in communities across Kansas to create safer, more walkable and bike-friendly routes through the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.
“This investment is more than just improving infrastructure – it’s about strengthening the safety, accessibility, and mobility of our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased the state can offer the support needed to help advance these projects.”
The competitive grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and provided by the Federal Highway Administration, is currently the primary source of KDOT funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects statewide, including Safe Routes to School. The program also funds transportation projects of a historical nature and scenic and environmental projects, including Main Street beautification projects.
Since 2019, under the Kelly administration’s bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, also known as IKE, KDOT has awarded more than $95 million for 122 TA projects, benefiting both urban and rural communities.
Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said this year’s announcement marks the largest grant funding the state has awarded since the launch of the federal program.
“By partnering with local communities, we can enhance our state’s transportation infrastructure while improving accessibility and fostering more connected neighborhoods,” Secretary Reed said.
The program requires a 20 percent local match of the project cost. The non-federal required share will consist of $2.79 million in local matching funds and $5.15 million in KDOT state funding.
The TA projects selected to receive an award are:
| Community Sponsor | Project Title | Federal Award | District |
| City of Atchison | Unity Street Pedestrian Improvements – 2nd Street to 6th Street | $814,479.20 | 1 |
| City of Atchison | North 5th Street Safe Routes to School | $924,389.00 | 1 |
| City of Eudora | Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Improvements | $781,676.00 | 1 |
| City of Holton | Highway 75 Pedestrian/Non-Motorized Vehicle/Bicycle Safety Project | $2,115,513.00 | 1 |
| City of Lawrence | 2025 Safe Routes to School | $1,096,000.00 | 1 |
| City of Lawrence | Massachusetts St 14th St to 23rd St Multimodal Improvements | $2,376,000.00 | 1 |
| City of Leavenworth | Downtown ADA Sidewalk Ramp Improvements | $629,750.00 | 1 |
| City of Topeka | Traffic Calming, Crossing Improvements, & Bike Lanes Installation on 4th, 5th & Adams streets | $1,722,931.20 | 1 |
| City of Wamego | Safe Routes to School Crossing Improvements | $239,872.00 | 1 |
| Central Kansas Conservancy | Sunflower Santa Fe Trail – Canton KS | $649,485.60 | 2 |
| City of Concordia | Concordia Sidewalks for School Construction Project | $1,032,931.00 | 2 |
| City of Council Grove | Streetscape and Pedestrian Safety Project along Main Street | $1,880,000.00 | 2 |
| City of Herington | Safe Routes to School Phase II Construction Project | $1,136,075.00 | 2 |
| City of Hillsboro | Orchard Drive Hike/Bike Trail | $525,100.00 | 2 |
| City of Linn | Pedestrian Safety Sidewalk Project | $1,407,957.00 | 2 |
| City of McPherson | McPherson Ave A Trail Phase III | $849,913.60 | 2 |
| City of Phillipsburg | Sidewalks and Crosswalk Project to School | $763,124.00 | 3 |
| USD 270-Plainville | Safe Routes to School Implementation Project | $853,991.00 | 3 |
| City of Altamont | Pedestrian Connections to School & Food Retail | $1,528,469.00 | 4 |
| City of Burlington | 6th Street Prefabricated Pedestrian Bridge | $654,256.00 | 4 |
| City of Girard | Pedestrian Transportation Facilities to Connect Vital Services to Residents | $633,277.00 | 4 |
| City of Iola | US-54 Multimodal Project | $4,236,812.00 | 4 |
| City of Pittsburg | Meadowlark Elementary School Safe Routes to School | $286,400.00 | 4 |
| City of Augusta | Pedestrian bridge over the Whitewater River on Redbud Rail Trail | $560,000.00 | 5 |
| City of Great Bend | Downtown Great Bend Sidewalk Repair and Accessibility Improvements | $800,000.00 | 5 |
| City of Greensburg | Greensburg Connecting Sidewalks | $342,548.00 | 5 |
| City of Hutchinson | Downtown Hutchinson Pedestrian Safety and Access Improvements | $908,800.00 | 5 |
| City of Larned | Safe Routes to School Phase II | $850,400.00 | 5 |
| City of Sedgwick | Commercial Avenue Pedestrian Access and Streetscape Improvements | $215,384.80 | 5 |
| City of South Hutchinson | South Hutchinson Pedestrian Connectivity Project | $273,600.00 | 5 |
| City of Ulysses | Kepley Middle School Crossing | $400,475.00 | 6 |
| 31 Projects Total | $31,489,609.40 |
