photo by: Bremen Keasey

A sign for the Lawrence Loop posted along the paved path at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum in Lawrence. Local advocates for trails are happy to see the city's long-term plan that supports connecting the Lawrence Loop, a 22-mile continuous pedestrian paved pathway around the city.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Transportation on Monday announced that $37.2 million in federal funds has been awarded to 33 projects selected for inclusion in KDOT’s Transportation Alternatives program; among them are two projects in Lawrence and one in Eudora accounting for $3.5 million of that total.

The Transportation Alternatives program provides federal funding to promote and enable use of active transportation and for certain scenic and historic improvements, such as non-motorized transportation infrastructure, abandoned railway corridors to trails conversion, Safe Routes to School, historic transportation facility preservation and rehabilitation; and scenic and environmental improvements.

Eudora will receive $1,199,000 for its Wakarusa boat ramp park connection, and Lawrence will receive $1,227,000 for the downtown section of its Lawrence Loop project and $1,105,000 for Safe Routes to School sidewalks and crossings.

The Lawrence Loop is a series of connected trails that, when finished, will provide a continuous path over 22 miles long around the city.

The biggest single award of the state’s 33 recipients was $2,662,000 to the City of Lansing for the South Lansing Side Path and Main Street crosswalk.

“Improving alternate modes of travel provides better mobility and connectivity opportunities that keep people moving across the state,” Kelly said in a news release. “As the state’s largest program that funds community projects focused on active transportation, the Transportation Alternatives program provides crucial support in every corner of Kansas.”

KDOT evaluated the 40 applications from this cycle and made selections based on the program criteria and input provided by internal and external partners. Criteria consisted of including proven safety countermeasures, demonstrating readiness and need, population size and geographic distribution. KDOT also assessed data available as part of the state’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool, the release said.

“The TA program prioritizes safety and accessibility for people who walk, bike, or roll to work, school, appointments, and other activities,” said Jenny Kramer, a KDOT transportation manager. “With the focus on safety, it is exciting that the Highway Safety Improvement Program is also investing $6 million towards this round. More funding allows for more projects, which enhances safety in more communities.”

The next call for projects is expected to open in spring 2028.