Special to the Leader & Times

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday nearly $3.9 million will be awarded to 12 projects across the state through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Innovative Technology Program for FY 2027. The program makes strategic investments that implement new transportation technology while improving safety, access, and mobility.

“With projects ranging from bolstering rural health care services to improving safety at intersections – we are making smart, targeted investments to improve quality of life for Kansans across the state,” Gov. Kelly said. “This crucial funding will expand the ways Kansans use and benefit from modern, essential transportation technology.”

Projects related to the Kansas transportation system and utilizing new technology are eligible to apply for KDOT’s Innovative Technology funding. Projects selected in this round include smart signal upgrades, onboard security monitoring, pedestrian safety upgrades, emergency vehicle preemption, hands-on drone education and outreach, and more. The City of Liberal will be receiving $140,994 for smart signal upgrades.

Each award recipient is providing a minimum of 25 percent in matching funds, resulting in a total innovative technology investment of more than $8.1 million. The program is part of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, also known as IKE.    

“New and emerging technologies offer the potential for a safer, more efficient transportation system,” Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “The significant local matching funds provided for these projects show just how committed local communities are to improving safety and operations for Kansans.”