Kansas to fund 30 aviation projects

? Thirty aviation projects will share about $3.54 million in Kansas transportation funds in the year ahead.

The projects, ranging from airport maintenance to safety improvements, are part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s T-Works program.

Kansas is $8.2 billion over 10 years on highways, bridges, railroads and aviation under a comprehensive transportation program approved last year.

The selected aviation projects were among 114 for which KDOT received applications. Local governments are required to contribute a minimum of 10 percent in matching funds.

The department’s aviation division says a 2010 study showed that Kansas airports supported more than 47,000 jobs and produce $10.4 billion in economic activity.