The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) awarded $13.2 million to 48 transit projects statewide on April 7. The funding was awarded through the Access, Innovation and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program, which helps support bus replacement, rehab or procurement projects, bus-related equipment, bus facilities, transit-related programs and transit-related planning studies.
“A strong, safe public transportation system is critical to our state’s economy and quality of life,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “Projects like wheelchair accessible buses, upgraded bus facilities and route and parking lot enhancements will ensure Kansans have access to adequate, safe and well-maintained public transportation.”
The AIC Public Transit Program is a combination of state and federal funding and the 26 agencies to benefit from this round of funding will deliver projects that have a total cost of about $17 million.
“This work reflects the tremendous partnership between all levels of government,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “In addition to funding new bus facilities and improving transit service, the grants support the purchase of low- or no emission buses. That work throughout Kansas will accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation system and help keep our skies blue, our water clean and our climate more predictable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The funding announcement took place at the OCCK, Inc., Transportation complex in Salina, Kan., in an expanded bus facility funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the city of Salina and OCCK. The 16,000 square-foot expansion was completed in November 2021.
Highlights of the AIC Public Transit Program include a $1.6 million award to Lawrence Transit for Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements, a $1.04 million award to Community Health Center – Southeast Kansas in Crawford County for a regional transportation facility and a total of $1.59 million in total funding to the Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency for facility upgrades, passenger information devices, as well as studies of microtransit and zero-emission vehicles.
“The AIC Public Transit Program combines state and federal resources that will enhance access to transit, invest in emerging technologies and form collaborations with public and private transportation providers,” said Kansas DOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve established to improve transportation services and options for Kansans.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
