25 years ago: Transportation Secretary Dole says bypass will face stiff competition for federal funds

Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole, campaigning in Lawrence on behalf of her husband Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, spoke about the proposed bypass south and west of Lawrence. The project, estimated at that time to cost $16 million, would be facing stiff competition for federal funds in the year 1985, when only $5 million was available for 117 similar projects nationwide.

Takeru Higuchi, distinguished professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, helped establish an endowed professorship in bioanalysis at KU. Higuchi and his wife, Aya, contributed $125,000 to help establish the chair.

Construction in Lawrence was continuing a slight downward trend during the month of June, but overall, building permit reports were indicating an even better construction year than the previous year. 102 single-family permits had been issued during the first half of 1985.