Engineering

Memo

To: Mike Wildgen

From: Linda Finger, Terese Gorman

CC: Debbie Van Saun, Dave Corliss, Chuck Soules

Date:  February 2, 2004

Re:                Economic Development Project, FY 2007

Last July the City applied for Economic Development funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) along 23^rd Street between Iowa and Louisiana.  This project will reduce the number of access points onto 23^rd Street through the purchase and consolidation of curb cuts, and acquisition of public access easements, as detailed in the 23^rd Street Corridor Study that was completed by the City in September 2002.  These improvements will satisfy two primary goals of better access for area businesses, and safer driving for motorists using 23^rd Street.

The Highway Advisory Commission has tentatively selected this project for funding subject to the approval of the City Commission.  A copy of the application is attached.  The total project cost in 2007 is estimated at $936,000.  The application proposed the City share as 25% or $234,000; however, KDOT has proposed selecting the project with a City share near 50% or $436,000.  KDOT would participate in 75% of the construction and construction engineering costs (estimated cost = $725,500) up to a maximum of $500,000.  The City would be responsible for the remaining 25% of these costs plus 100% of the preliminary engineering (design), right-of-way and easement acquisition, and utility relocation costs (estimated cost = $211,000). 

We need to let KDOT know by February 13, 2004 if the City is interested in pursuing the Secretary of Transportation’s final approval.

Linda M. Finger                                                       Terese A. Gorman, P.E.

Director of Planning                                                            City Engineer