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Kechi’s main corner gets state funds
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: April 26, 2019

The Kechi City Council unanimously voted on April 11 to enter into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for improvements to the intersection of Oliver and Kechi Road.

It's unclear what those improvements will look like.

However, Kechi received a $1.5 million federal highway grant from the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for the project. The contract the city agreed to on April 11 with KDOT spells out the terms of the construction. The federal money is strictly for construction related to the project. City Administrator Bob Conger said the city would be responsible for things like design, inspection, right-of-way acquisition or other expenses that might be added to the project on top of roadway construction.

Staff came up with a figure of $829,136 as the estimated cost of the project to the city. The intersection is one of the city's most important gateways and also sits directly in the heart of the planned Arts and Business District. Staff has been working to incorporate ideas for both of the projects together as much as possible. However, because the federal grant money is in play, money for the intersection project has to be used fairly specifically.

Conger said the design phase of the project will be extensive. A great deal of the work will be figuring out what this project's money can be used for.

"We are trying to determine what they are and aren't going to allow us to pay for," said Conger. "For instance, we discussed the island in the center of the roadway where the gateway feature would be located. We're pretty sure they're not going to be OK with the gateway feature. That will be on the city. But we understand that they are likely to approve the island and the work that would go into it. We're still trying to get those answers about what amenities KDOT will pay for."

Even the city's portion of the funding is restricted to use for the roadway construction project. Any future plans the city has to incorporate aspects of the aesthetic recommendations made by PEC for the Arts and Business District will have to be funded separately. Those items will still have to be approved by the council.

"Most of the items KDOT is going to pay for are strictly related to the street and the right-of-way," said Conger. "I don't know that it's going to pay for things like trashcans and benches. Any decorative items, art or lighting along the walkways is probably not going to be funded."

Construction on the intersection will begin in 2021. The city will pay for its portion using general obligation bonds.

In other business, the council:

•Heard from Marilyn Dotts about concerns with the property at 302 Cherokee Drive and the Kechi Playhouse. Dotts also said she was a part of the original neighborhood watch in Kechi.

•Unanimously confirmed the mayor's appointments of Shirley Jefferson and Richard Haddock to the Economic Development Committee.

•Introduced the new owners of Jump Start.

•Unanimously approved items relating to Young Industrial Phase 2 sewer improvements. Dondlinger & Sons Construction had the low bid of $222,015.

•Unanimously accepted a petition and adopted an ordinance creating a Community Improvement District.

•Discussed the placement and funding for a piece of art donated to the city.

•Unanimously voted to change the location of the April 25 council meeting to the 101 Club at 2206 E. 101st North at 7 p.m.

All members of the council were present. There was no executive session.





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