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KDOT Local Consult - Virtual
UPDATE - THE LOCAL CONSULT THAT WAS TO BE IN IOLA HAS BEEN CHANGED TO VIRTUAL ONLY - SEE REGISTRATION INFO BELOW:
We’ve been working hard to prepare for the 2021 round of Local Consult. These regional stakeholder meetings rely on Kansans to provide timely input which helps us determine which IKE highway expansion and modernization projects will be added to the development pipeline.We are committed to the Local Consult process – it’s the bedrock of the IKE program. In fact, I’m pleased that the legislation which created the IKE program requires us to hold Local Consult every two years to gather your input for these projects.This year, Local Consult looks different. Out of an abundance of caution and to comply with current state guidance related to COVID-19, this year’s Local Consult meetings will be held virtually, with two online options to participate:- A virtual live Zoom meeting will take place for each region plus the Wichita and Kansas City metro areas. Visit https://www.ksdotike.org/
projects/local-consult-process for the schedule and to register. This option allows you to participate in live conversations about regional transportation priorities. The meetings will take place at the same dates and times as previously announced. - A virtual on-demand experience allows you to review Local Consult information and provide input on your own schedule. Visit https://www.ksdotike.org/
projects/local-consult-process for more information about the schedule for these meetings.
While I really wish we could have the rich regional, in-person discussions which Local Consult is known for – the key elements of the process remain the unchanged. We’ll provide an update on IKE progress, ask for your thoughts on well-known and emerging project needs, and review how projects are scored.We need your feedback now. Unfortunately, we can’t reschedule. We need to keep the development pipeline stocked and prioritize work accordingly. With a potential federal infrastructure bill on the horizon, we want to make sure Kansas is well positioned to take advantage of possible funding opportunities to improve our infrastructure and address long-standing problems. Please note that while we’re going to virtual format for this round of Local Consult; we remain committed to in-person discussions and plan to resume them for 2023 Local Consult.We’ve received nearly 2,000 survey responses, which demonstrates the importance of transportation to Kansans. I sincerely hope more people will be able to participate in Local Consult now that you don’t have to travel.Be safe out there. As I’m sure you have seen, we have construction going on across Kansas. Thanks to KDOT employees and our contractor partners who have modified construction practices to accommodate COVID protocols, we’re not missing a beat on project delivery.I’d like to share a couple of updates with you that are important to transportation in Kansas. First, is information about the upcoming Local Consult meetings and a pre-meeting survey that we’re launching today. Second is some information on the federal infrastructure bill being discussed. Local Consult 2021 Survey and Meeting DatesKDOT is kicking off this year’s Local Consult process with a short online survey. The results of this survey will help us gain insight into top transportation areas of focus and help inform the regional prioritization discussions that will follow this fall.Please help us encourage participation by sharing the survey link with your fellow Kansans before it closes on August 22. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and is accessible online via desktop computer or mobile device at: http://metroquestsurvey.com/qt1r1c. The online survey is the first opportunity to get engaged with KDOT this fall. Our 2021 Local Consult meetings, where we’ll hold regional project prioritization discussions, have been scheduled and are listed below. These meetings are an important step in gathering public input for the IKE program
September 8 / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmIola / Bowlus Fine Arts CenterSeptember 9 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pmWichita / Hughes MetroplexSeptember 15 / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmSalina / Tony’s Pizza Events CenterSeptember 16 / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmTopeka / TPACSeptember 30 / 9 am – 12 pmOverland Park, Kansas / KU Edwards CampusOctober 4 / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pmSterling / Sterling CollegeOctober 5 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pmDodge City / Boot Hill CasinoOctober 6 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pmHays / Hilton Garden InnKDOT is looking forward to visiting with Kansans across the state; however, conditions related to COVID-19 are being monitored, and the meeting format will be modified, if needed. Please check the IKE website for updates or click here to sign up for Local Consult emails.Federal Infrastructure BillWe're excited to see the discussions around infrastructure funding at the federal level and as we analyze the current bill we're planning how best those funds could be used to bolster the IKE transportation program.The current bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization that also includes new programs for bridges and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.As the bill stands today, Kansas would receive about $89M more each year in federal-aid highway funding. Additionally, the state would receive about $45M per year under a new bridge program and about $8M per year under a new EV charging infrastructure program. The bill also includes increases to existing federal discretionary grant programs, such as BUILD, TIGER, INFRA and CRISI. Additional funding for passenger rail and the creation of some new discretionary grant programs are also included.We’ll continue to keep an eye on what’s happening at the federal level and provide updates when needed.Please be in touch with any questions. For more information about the IKE program, please visit: www.ksdotike.org.Travel safe.Julie L. LorenzSecretary of TransportationDirector of Kansas Turnpike Authority
Date and Time
Wednesday Sep 8, 2021
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM CDT
- A virtual live Zoom meeting will take place for each region plus the Wichita and Kansas City metro areas. Visit https://www.ksdotike.org/
