Governor Kelly Announces $3.5M for
Innovative Technology Projects
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $3.5 million will be awarded to 13 projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Innovative Technology Program. The program makes investments that improve safety, access, or mobility and implement new transportation technology.
“My administration is delivering technological advancements to increase transportation safety in every corner of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Through collaboration with local entities, this investment supports innovative transportation improvements in rural and urban communities.”
All transportation system projects are eligible for Innovative Technology funding. Examples of projects selected for technology upgrades in this round include aviation and rail upgrades, traffic engineering and school zone enhancements, and truck simulators for CDL (commercial driver’s license) program expansion.
State funding for the 13 projects will be enhanced by a minimum 25% local match from each recipient, resulting in a total innovative technology investment of more than $5.3 million. The program is part of the Kelly administration’s bipartisan 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, also known as IKE.
“New and emerging technologies offer the potential for a safer, more efficient transportation system,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “This latest round of Innovative Technology projects demonstrates how Kansas communities are proactively turning to technology to improve operations for now and the future.”
Projects selected through the Innovative Technology program for FY 2024 include:
| KDOT – Awarded Innovative Technology Projects | |||
| Project Name | Applicant Organization | County | KDOT funds |
| Advanced UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center | Kansas State University – Salina | Saline | $1,000,000 |
| Rail Freight Bulk Scale | Bestifor | Republic | $959,925 |
| Clean-Agent Fire Suppression System | Salina Regional Airport | Saline | $900,000 |
| Truck Simulators for CDL Program Expansion | Seward County Community College | Seward | $335,625 |
| Safety View Software Application | City of Overland Park | Johnson | $131,249 |
| Traffic Signal Battery Back-Ups | City of Great Bend | Barton | $58,802 |
| El Dorado Street Condition Assessment with AI | City of El Dorado | Butler | $52,500 |
| Replace School Crossing Lights and Signage | City of Rossville | Shawnee | $21,000 |
| Noninvasive Barrier Repair Lightweight System | Kansas State University | Riley | $18,682 |
| Jet Plain Road Runner Road Grader Trailer | Greeley County | Greeley | $14,437 |
| Digital Speed Sign | City of Olsburg | Pottawatomie | $7,500 |
| Radar Speed Sign | City of Valley Falls | Jefferson | $6,217 |
| School Zone Sign Enhancement | Pottawatomie County | Pottawatomie | $6,000 |
| Total: $3,511,937 | |||
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