Great Bend city leaders are seeking formal backing from Barton County for a grant application that would fund pedestrian crossing improvements at the busy intersection of 10th Street (U.S. 56) and Main Street (U.S. 281).
The Barton County Commission is slated to consider a letter of support at its Tuesday meeting, a step city officials say is crucial to advancing the Transportation Alternative (TA) grant proposal. The City of Great Bend has also included the project on its City Council agenda for Monday, signaling broad local backing.
County Administrator Matt Patzner underscored the project’s importance, noting that the 10th/Main intersection is central to the regional transportation network. “With no marked pedestrian crossings, there are safety concerns for pedestrians navigating the high-volume roadway,” Patzner stated on the agenda. “The proposed improvements will enhance safety, improve accessibility and better accommodate all users within this critical part of the transportation system.”
TA grants, administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), would cover 80% of construction, construction engineering and preliminary engineering costs. The City would be responsible for a 20% match plus the expenses of right-of-way, utilities and other related expenses. The City submitted concept applications in February and was informed on March 31 that both projects are eligible for TA funding. A full application is due by May 15.
A second project
In addition to the 10th/Main project, TA funding is being sought for pedestrian improvements on Forest Avenue from Main Street to Williams and for the east side Williams north and south of Forest. Public Works Director David Dunekack is expected to update the City Council on the TA process during the Monday meeting.
City Council meeting details:
When: 5:30 p.m., Monday
Where: City Hall
Live option: City Facebook page
County Commission meeting details:
When: 9 a.m., Tuesday
Where: Barton County Courthouse; live-stream via Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4jRATgr
Other items on the County Commission agenda include a resolution to transfer and carry over 2025 unexpended funds to the Capital Improvement Fund and a budgeting transfer to the Central Kansas Community Corrections.
Fire District No. 1 meeting:
After the commission session, commissioners will meet as the Fire District No. 1 governing body. New business includes a resolution transferring and carrying over 2025 unexpended funds to the special equipment fund and ratifying the purchase of a 2003 Stewart and Stevenson truck from the Deerfield, Missouri Fire Department for $16,150.
Commission appointments:
After the close of Tuesday’s agenda meetings, CKCC Director Brooke Haulmark will present a program update at 10:30 a.m. Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, will review recycling grant applications at 11 a.m.
