Last Wednesday, applications for funding were sent to the Kansas Department of Transportation for these four projects:

Construction of a new four-lane U.S. 24 Highway between Tonganoxie and Perry. Estimated cost: $197,153,000. At the direction of the transportation department, no specific route was designated. However, Leavenworth County commissioners requested “the most direct route possible from Tonganoxie to Perry.” This project is a joint application between Leavenworth and Jefferson counties. No location contribution toward the project cost was offered.

Construction of a second two-lane bridge over the Missouri River on the north side of the existing bridge. Estimated cost: $23,103,000. Submitted by the city of Leavenworth, the city is offering to contribute $1 million or about 5 percent toward the project.

Improvements to U.S. Highway 73 and Kansas Highway 7, along Lansing’s Main Street, from Connie Street south. Estimated cost: $8,694,000. The city has offered to contribute about 20 percent of the project costs.

A corridor study for a bypass of U.S. Highway 73 and Kansas Highway 7 west of the existing route. Estimated cost: $500,000. No local contribution was offered for this request, which was submitted by Leavenworth County.

These requests for a special state highway enhancement program will be reviewed by the state transportation department, which will rank them among other requests from Kansas counties. A separate Economic Development Committee, appointed by Gov. Bill Graves, also will review the applications for their impact on economic development.

The transportation department is expected to select projects by early summer.