A new report that evaluates the current condition, use and funding of Kansas’ highway transportation system will be released at a news conference in Topeka at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28.
Kansas faces a significant transportation funding gap over the next 10 years, which will not only impede efforts to improve roads and other infrastructure, but will also limit the potential for economic recovery. A comprehensive state transportation program funds improvements to roads, bridges and traffic safety. It also offers significant state revenue increases, job creation and other revenue that is vital to the economic recovery in the state. The report, “Moving Kansas Forward: The Condition and Funding of Kansas’ Roads, Highways & Bridges,” details unfunded highway projects that improve safety and infrastructure including the I-35/I-435/K- 10 interchange in Kansas City and the I-235/Kellogg/Central interchange complex in Wichita.
Carolyn Bonifas, TRIP’s Associate Director of Research and Communication, will present the findings of the report at the news conference. Mary Turkington, co-chair of the board of Economic Lifelines, will also address the report’s findings, along with other transportation officials in the state.
Economic Lifelines is the statewide coalition of organizations and community groups which provide the grassroots support for ComprehensiveTransportation Programs in Kansas. Its members believe that the economic development and jobs that are generated by such programs are vital to the stability and growth of the Kansas economy and that of individual communities.
Founded in 1971, TRIP is a nonprofit organization that promotes transportation policies that relieves traffic congestion, improve road and bridge conditions, improve air quality, make highway travel safer and enhance economic productivity.
Details of the report will be posted as soon as they are made available. Check he on Monday September 28, 2009 for details.