The Kansas Department of Transportation has three online meetings Wednesday to discuss how the state could use specific federal funds for handling transportation infrastructure issues due to extreme weather or other natural hazards.
The funding comes through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program. It is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding Federal Highway Administration programs through 2026.
There are several categories for eligible projects:
*Planning, design, construction, rehabilitation and property purchases designed to enhance the “resilience” of the state transportation system.
*Equipment purchases to assist disaster response and transportation “resilience”
*Natural infrastructure, flood protection and ecosystem restoration projects linked to transportation improvements.
Meetings on Wednesday have specific focus areas — Wichita, Kansas City and statewide. The statewide meeting is at 7 pm. Reservations are not needed.
