The Kansas Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced it’s awarded $3.5 million to 13 projects in an effort to improve safety and access and implement new transportation technologies.
The 13 projects, which are being funded through the latest round of the department’s Innovative Technology Program, include aviation and rail upgrades, traffic engineering, school zone enhancements and truck simulators to expand the state’s commercial driver’s license program.
“New and emerging technologies offer the potential for a safer, more efficient transportation system,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said in a press release. “This latest round of Innovative Technology projects demonstrates how Kansas communities are proactively turning to technology to improve operations for now and the future.”
The funding is enhanced by a minimum 25% match from each recipient, boosting the total investment to more than $5.3 million. Recipients include Kansas State University-Salina for an “advanced” drone center, the City of El Dorado for an artificial intelligence street condition assessment and the City of Overland Park for new software designed to improve the safety of roadways.
The program is part of Gov. Laura Kelly’s $10 billion, 10-year transportation improvement program. In November 2020, the program distributed $6 million to local transportation and technology projects.
“My administration is delivering technological advancements to increase transportation safety in every corner of the state,” Kelly said in the release. “Through collaboration with local entities, this investment supports innovative transportation improvements in rural and urban communities.”
