Topeka – Governor Jeff Colyer announced yesterday that the Kansas Department of Transportation is increasing the exchange rate
for local public agencies seeking to fund local projects with state funds
through the Federal Fund Exchange Program, returning the exchange rate to $.90
in state funds made available for every $1.00 in federal funds awarded a local
agency, upon that agency’s request.
“By
participating in the Federal Fund Exchange Program, we are hoping to increase
the control that localities have over their transportation projects and make
sure that funds are available when they need them,” said Governor Colyer. “It
is important to me that local governments have access to resources for local
projects with less federal regulation and bureaucratic red tape. We want Kansas
solutions for Kansas transportation issues.”
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| Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson answers questions about the change in the Federal Fund Exchange Program, which was announced yesterday. |
The Federal
Fund Exchange Program is a voluntary program allowing local public agencies the
option to sell all or a portion of their federal funds for state transportation
dollars, which provides greater flexibility of use and allows local agencies
the opportunity to fund larger projects that may not have been possible with
federal funding.
“We value the partnership we have with local
public agencies and we are looking forward to maximizing our capacity to help
them improve their local transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary of
Transportation Richard Carlson. “We want to continue providing a statewide
transportation system that meets the needs of the people of Kansas.”
Federal funds
exchanged for state funds can be used for local projects such as road
construction, maintenance or preservation, safety improvements, sidewalks, ADA
ramps, bridge construction, rehabilitation or repair, and low water crossings.
Max Dibble,
Phillips County Commissioner and Kansas Association of Counties President,
said, “Restoration of the $.90/$1.00 ratio in the federal funds exchange
program will allow counties to further stretch our transportation
dollars. This means safer local roads and bridges for our citizens,
farmers and businesses depending on them.”
Michael White,
Executive Director of the Kansas Contractors Association commented that, “our
economy depends on good roads and infrastructure. We appreciate the Governor
and KDOT’s leadership to leverage innovative opportunities for transportation
funding. This is a perfect example of how we can all work together - at the
local, state and federal level - to repair and grow our economy through
results-driven infrastructure investments.”
“As we travel
the state and talk to cities, we repeatedly hear transportation funding and
infrastructure development is critically important to maintain and grow our
state,” said Erik Sartorius, Executive Director of the League of Kansas
Municipalities. “We appreciate the Governor and KDOT for reinstating the
90-cent exchange rate for local projects. These funds are used to build
important projects in cities including the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction of roads and bridges.”
