photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Douglas County commissioners meet on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Douglas County commissioners have extended the timeline for the Wakarusa Drive extension project – just in case there are any delays from an environmental review of the proposed site.

On Wednesday, county commissioners approved a supplemental memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Department of Transportation that changed the timeline of the project so that it must be bid on by Nov. 1, 2028, and completed by the end of 2030.

The proposed road would be on federal property managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – extending Wakarusa Drive south from Kansas Highway 10, across the Wakarusa River to East 1000 Road. Earlier this year, the Army Corps of Engineers told the county an environmental assessment would be required to authorize the project.

County commissioners in May unanimously approved an engineering services contract with HNTB Corporation, which did a similar environmental study for the South Lawrence Trafficway project.

Chad Voigt, director of Douglas County Public Works, told commissioners on Wednesday the environmental assessment is already underway.

This new agreement extends the timeline for the Wakarusa Drive extension project by two years. The original MOU was approved in 2024, and the timeline said that the project could be bid no later than July 1, 2026, with completion expected by Dec. 31, 2028, as the Journal-World reported.

Voigt also previously told commissioners in May that pending federal approval, the project is still anticipated to be completed in November 2028, if all goes according to plan.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, COMMISSIONERS:

• Held a work session to hear a progress update on Douglas County’s Familiar Faces Initiative, a multi-agency effort designed to improve care coordination for a small group of people who repeatedly cycle through crisis systems such as emergency rooms, homeless shelters, behavioral health services, EMS responses and sometimes the criminal justice system.

The session highlighted gaps and barriers that continue to hinder effective care, including limitations in shared technology systems, shortages of crisis respite and medical respite services, limited capacity at key facilities, difficulties securing long-term residential placements, and a lack of flexible funding to address immediate client needs.

• Approved the plan for the “Summerfest” Independence Day celebration and drone show on July 4 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St. The event will include food trucks, activities for kids and live music.

• Executed a contract with Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company to purchase a John Deere 672 Motor Grader equipped with a Walk N Roll WR90-3 roller compactor in the amount of $403,750 for the Public Works department. The existing John Deere 770G motor grader was purchased in 2012.

• Executed a contract with Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company to purchase a John Deere 624 wheel loader in the amount of $270,005. The existing John Deere 624K wheel loader was purchased in 2014.