KDOT Secretary Lorenz confirmed by Senate

Julie Lorenz has been confirmed as Secretary
of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Julie Lorenz was confirmed by the Senate today as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).  Lorenz was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly in January 2019. In her capacity as Secretary of KDOT, Lorenz also serves as the Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

“Secretary Lorenz is an expert in the area of transportation and understands just how critical it is to the future of our economy and our state,” Gov. Kelly said. “She has been a state and national leader in transportation for two decades and Kansas is lucky to have her leading KDOT.”

“I am honored to serve as the Secretary of Transportation,” Lorenz said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with communities and constituencies across our state to develop a supportable vision for transportation, complete T-WORKS and craft the next transportation plan for long-term, sustainable success for all Kansans.”

This is Lorenz’s second tour of duty for KDOT, serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Special Assistant from 2003 to 2011. During that time, she led the development of several efforts at the agency, including the development and eventual legislative passage of the $8.2 billion, 10-year T-WORKS funding program in spring 2010.

Governor outlines T-WORKS projects, additional investments to move forward with transportation funding

Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announce plans to invest $160 million in revenue included in the FY2020 budget.

Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz to announce the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) plans to invest $160 million in revenue that is included in the Governor’s FY 2020 budget for transportation.

Governor Kelly addresses the audience and announces four delayed T-WORKS projects across Kansas will resume construction.

The $160 million comes from reducing the amount of money transferred out of the State Highway Fund. Since 2011, more than $2 billion has been transferred out of the State Highway Fund, causing costly project delays, reduced highway preservation work, a decline in the health of our highway system and an inability to plan for future projects.

“With this $160 million in revenue, we will strengthen our highway system, take steps towards completing T-WORKS, and provide resources to communities across the state,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

“These are important steps forward, but to be clear, we still have a long way to go in order to get our transportation system where it should be.”

With the $160 million in FY 2020, KDOT will:

• Increase the highway preservation investment from $350 - $400 million
• Move forward with four delayed T-WORKS projects:
  o US-54 in Seward County (Expansion project; let for construction Fall 2019)
  o US-169 in Anderson County (Modernization project; let for construction Fall 2019)
  o US-281 in Russell County (Modernization project; let for construction Spring 2020)
  o US-50 in Lyon County (Expansion Project; let for construction Spring 2020)
• Reinstate the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program
• Implement a new cost-share program for state/local partnerships
• Enhance its safety program
• Increase City Connecting Link maintenance payments
• Increase funding for modal programs (e.g., transit, aviation, rail and bike/pedestrian)

These investments are aligned with recommendations from the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force that met last year.

Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz discusses investments at a press conference held yesterday at KDOT Headquarters. 

“We look forward to working with communities and our partners across the state to deliver these investments,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. 

“We know that funding reductions have impacted the health of our system. I’m so pleased to work with Governor Kelly to take this important step forward to achieving the goals the task force laid out and improving our state’s transportation system.”

Dedication ceremony for road improvement in Lyons

A dedication ceremony was held on Friday to celebrate the completion of an economic development project in Lyons. 

The City of Lyons had a lot to celebrate on Friday during a dedication ceremony of the completion of an economic development project.

The KSTW Ltd. Mahindra tractor distribution center now has the opportunity to grow and create additional jobs in the community thanks to the partnership between KDOT, the city of Lyons and KSTW Ltd.

This important economic development project converted 17^th Road, commonly known as Foundry Road, from gravel to a more efficient concrete surface.   The improvements allow for safer access for truck traffic entering and exiting the distribution facility which allows the company to increase in location size and allow for additional employees.

KDOT provided funds for the design and construction, which cost $500,000. KSTW Ltd. and the City of Lyons were able to fund the remaining construction engineering costs which brought the total dollar amount of the project to $562,000.

Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson had the opportunity to meet with those who celebrated the new opportunities the concrete surface creates.

“This was a great example of cooperation between the public and private sectors the benefit of everyone, and KDOT was proud to be a part of this joint effort between the state, the city and the company.” Carlson said.

Mike Young, the Mayor of Lyons, credited KDOT as a vital contributor to this project.

“I would like to express an immense appreciation towards KDOT for the support and guidance of this project,” Young said. “Without KDOT this project would not have been possible. KDOT has and continues to be a major part of the success of our community.”

This project was let on October 21 of last year and was completed earlier this month. 

Elaine Chao confirmed as Secretary of Transportation

Image source: elainechao.com

In a 96-3 vote, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Elaine Chao as the 18^th U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Chao’s responsibility will be to help the administration improve our country’s infrastructure.

In an article written by the Washington Post, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said Secretary Chao has the experience necessary to advise the government.

This isn’t Chao’s first time working in the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 1989, Chao served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation and in 1986, she was the USDOT Deputy Administrator.

Chao has also served as the Secretary of Labor for the George W. Bush administration.