The future of a lighted pathway from downtown to Kansas University’s campus is now dependent on a federal grant.

Commissioners agreed to stick with a recommendation from the city’s Community Development Advisory Committee that provides $59,410 for the project. City engineers had sought about $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant money for the project.

Now project leaders will wait to learn whether the path is awarded a $174,000 federal transportation grant. If awarded, that grant would allow at least part of the project to move ahead. Original plans called for a path along parts of 12th and 14th streets. If awarded the federal grant, the 12th Street portion of the project likely could be built.

Several KU students have requested the lighted path after expressing safety concerns for pedestrians walking from downtown to KU late at night.