County staff outline KDOT cost-share round and approve KDOT-funded Bridge 527A agreement

Montgomery County public works staff told commissioners the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced a fall cost-share round with $6 million available and a $1 million per-project maximum; applications are due Sept. 18. Staff asked commissioners to consider potential projects and noted past applications have required a local match (minimum 15%) and that matches of 50/50 have been used to increase competitiveness.

Brandon, the county public works representative who briefed the commission, said cost-share awards are competitive and KDOT does not provide detailed feedback beyond whether a project is awarded. "They don't give us any feedback on if you were closer. It's either, yes, you were awarded or no, you were not," Brandon said.

Separately, commissioners approved an agreement with KDOT for the 100% participating cost for construction and construction engineering on Bridge 527A, the county's arch bridge northwest of Bolton over Onion Creek. Brandon said KDOT will pay up to $1,000,000 of construction and construction engineering costs under the agreement; the county will sign the agreement and the document requires signatures from all three commissioners and the county clerk.

Brandon also updated commissioners on local road work, including Tenth Street asphalt paving, pipe bids for a Buckeye curve project, and ongoing planning for detour routes related to a KDOT project that will close part of US-160.

Commissioners discussed budget constraints and whether the county can afford higher local matches if awarded cost-share funds. Staff noted design, right-of-way and construction engineering costs remain the county's responsibility and can significantly increase the county share. Commissioners asked staff to return in a few weeks with specific project proposals and budget impact estimates if they pursue KDOT cost-share applications.