Topeka ? Economic Lifelines on Monday honored several legislators for their support of state transportation funding.

“Transportation is critical to the economic future of communities like Lawrence and Topeka, which is why having the support and leadership of these legislators in the Statehouse is so important,” said Julie Lorenz, chief executive of Economic Lifelines, a coalition that pushed for development of the state’s comprehensive transportation plan.

Local state senators recognized by the group included Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, and Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka. Local House members recognized were Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, Ramon Gonzalez, R-Perry, Ann Mah, D-Topeka, and Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence.

The legislators were honored for voting for funding of the transportation plan and against efforts to take funding away from it.

The 10-year transportation plan includes numerous projects in northeast Kansas, including the proposed South Lawrence Trafficway.