The Kansas Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it has awarded $3.5 million to 13 projects in an effort to improve safety and access and introduce new transportation technology.
The 13 projects being funded through the latest round of the department’s Innovative Technology Program include aviation and rail upgrades, traffic engineering, school zone enhancements, truck simulators to expand the state’s commercial driver’s license program, and more. It will be done.
“Emerging technology offers the potential for a safer and more efficient transportation system,” Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said in a press release. “This latest innovative technology project shows that Kansas communities are actively looking to technology to improve their operations now and in the future.”
This funding will be enhanced by a minimum 25% match from each recipient, increasing the total investment to more than $5.3 million. Winners include Kansas State University-Salina for an “advanced” drone center, the city of El Dorado for artificial intelligence street condition assessment, and the city of Overland Park for new software designed to improve road safety. It will be done.
The program is part of Gov. Laura Kelly’s 10-year, $10 billion transportation improvement program. In November 2020, the program distributed $6 million for local transportation and technology projects.
“My administration is implementing technological advances to improve road safety in every corner of our state,” Kelly said in a statement. “Through collaboration with local organizations, this investment will support innovative transportation improvements in rural and urban communities.”
