Recently, the state announced it was changing the reimbursement rate for road construction projects involving a cost share with city or county governments.
The change back from 75 to 90 cents per dollar spent on these local-state partnerships is obviously good news for local governments. City Engineer Jim Ubert tells KVOE News he appreciates the move by the state to reset the reimbursement rate.
That may not pay for a complete project, but Ubert says the extra money will help to extend projects.
Ubert says the cost share process has changed recently, so instead of banking dollars for future projects, local governments have to essentially “use it or lose it.” Emporia’s allotment typically is between $250,000 and $300,000.
Ubert says upcoming projects, including mill and overlay for Industrial from 12th to 18th, and a separate milling and overlay project for Merchant from South to 12th, were funded using the original approach. The city can start taking advantage of the 90-10 reimbursement process later this year, although the state money will come to the city next year.
