Portion of U.S. Highway 69 project back on the table

A portion of a local U.S. Highway 69 expansion project has been moved up, officials said.

The first phase of the project, which would create six miles of a four-lane upgradeable expressway on U.S. 69 from the Bourbon and Crawford County line north six miles and is estimated to cost $25 million, is expected to be let for bid this fall.

The U.S. 69 expansion project was one of 25 major statewide highway projects set to begin before July 2018. In April, KDOT announced the projects would be delayed due to continued state budget issues. The U.S. 69 projects were originally scheduled to be let in June 2017.

Kansas Sen. Jake LaTurner said in a news release Thursday he received assurance from Gov. Sam Brownback's office that the first of three U.S. 69 projects will "not only be reinstated, but the construction process will begin nearly a year sooner."

The release said LaTurner had been battling with the administration since KDOT delays were announced in April. He sent a letter to and met with Brownback and has been in continuous contact with administration officials where LaTurner "stressed the importance of the project for reasons of safety and economic development," the release said.

"I sent a letter to the governor after the delays were initially announced," LaTurner told the Tribune Monday. "I received verbal confirmation they were going to do it. I received a letter back from the governor that the project was on."

LaTurner said he previously had "personal assurances" from Brownback "it would be built on time."

"I sent a letter of outrage from the people I represent," LaTurner said. "I went to Topeka to use the tools I had to get it back on. I added a proviso to the budget that required the secretary of transportation to let the projects in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017."

LaTurner said the governor's letter stated Brownback's administration was "uncomfortable and hesitant about listing individual projects in statute." LaTurner said Brownback worked with him and a "verbal agreement" was formed that the projects would be let starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, provided LaTurner withdrew the proviso.

Brownback's administration agreed to move up the first of three sections and commit to working toward completing the remaining projects, the release said.

"I recall the commitment I made to the people of Southeast Kansas quite well," Brownback said in his letter. "Fortunately, since we last spoke, I have had the opportunity to more closely examine the priorities of the Kansas Department of Transportation budget for fiscal year 2017. I did so with my commitment firmly in mind. At the conclusion of that examination, Secretary King and I have determined that will be possible to start letting contracts for Highway 69 this fall. KDOT will share additional details as they become available."

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said the U.S. 69 expansion project is a "critical" project for the region. He said while he's "excited" the project has been moved up, he hopes the state follows through and the entire project can be completed.

"This is a perfect example of a community, who initially said it (delays) isn't right, voicing concerns to legislators and Sen. LaTurner listening," Martin said.

"It's (69) a must," he said. "It's a positive step when legislators listen. There's a commitment to do the first phase and hopefully (LaTurner) can give more political strength to go ahead and push forward and get it done. I'm excited. I think it's positive ... I hope they stick to their guns and do the right thing."

When asked if he had received any recent feedback regarding pushing a particular project through while others remain delayed, LaTurner said "I want the whole thing (U.S. 69) done.

"I think this is a step in the right direction. With funding issues in Topeka right now, I think getting a $25 million project moved up is a victory. I will continue to fight for the rest of the U.S. 69 project."

The other portions of the U.S. 69 expansion project are scheduled to follow at a total estimated cost of about $75 million. The three projects together cover about 17 miles and will run as far south as Kansas Highway 47.

KDOT spokesman Steve Swartz said Monday the first phase of the project should be "let to contract sometime in the fall," although he said the month hasn't been determined.

"It's a priority of the governor," Swartz said.

Swartz said the first phase of the project would be funded through "continued operational savings."

"It turns out we're at the tail end of the current fiscal year and we're able to see we have some savings in the operating budget for fiscal 2016," he said. "We're able to get this project underway with those savings. It's roughly a $25 million project."

In the news release, Ken Brock, president of the Kansas Highway 69 Association, said "This is a big victory for the people of Southeast Kansas."

"Moving this important project up is a meaningful development," LaTurner said.