Wichita is among 19 communities that will be receiving grants for projects to improve safety on local streets and highways. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced a total of $8 million in grants under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
The Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) has received $940,000 for planning and demonstration activities. With a local match and a state contribution, the total amount will be close to $1.2 million. McPherson County is getting a grant of $560,000. The largest grant went to the North Central Regional Planning Commission in Beloit, to carry out a regional safety action plan. Most of the applications were for planning and demonstration activities.
The program is structured so the federal government covers 80 percent of the project costs and the local government provides up to 20 percent. A Kansas Department of Transportation program helps with the local match requirement, covering part or all of the requirements. Under the three rounds of grants, 38 communities have received grant funding under the program.
