This week: KDOT to host a series of virtual 69Express noise abatement meetings - click on the link for more information.
bit.ly/3KgzoGt
KDOT to host series of virtual 69Express noise abatement meetings - click on the link for more information.
bit.ly/3KgzoGt
@69ExpressKS
Mark your calendars! The next virtual public meeting about
#69Express is Dec. 8. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the Environmental Assessment Process — including the results of the project’s noise study. Details and link, here: www.69Express.org.
Q: Since $280 million (93%) of the Project funding is coming from KDOT, which is primarily funded by taxpayers, shouldn’t all taxpayers be able to use a new, third lane on U.S. 69 Highway without paying a toll?
A: No local taxes paid by Overland Park residents go to KDOT. A portion of the state taxes paid by Overland Park residents does go to KDOT which is why the project invests heavily in improvements beyond just the construction of the new express toll lanes. Toll-free improvements include:
• Reconstruction of the existing two through lanes in each direction including replacement of the existing bridges
• Construction of auxiliary lanes between interchanges to improve entrance and exit conditions
• Wider inside and outside shoulders for improved safety
• Reconfiguration of the interchange a Blue Valley Parkway
• Reconfiguration of the interchange at I-435
• Various bicycle and pedestrian enhancements
The traditional KDOT funding that will be used for this project is paid for by all Kansans and by anyone who buys fuel in the state.
Additionally, KDOT has identified $18 billion in statewide infrastructure needs, far more than KDOT can meet with the $9.9 billion available through its 10-year IKE transportation program. Therefore, infrastructure projects that receive a local contribution are moved forward in the project pipeline. Overland Park’s choice to fund its local contribution through tolls generated by new express toll lanes on U.S. 69 means the highway expansion will happen quickly, without new taxes.
Q: Could Overland Park have issued a municipal bond to raise its $20 million local contribution to the U.S. 69 Expansion Project?
A: Yes. A $20 million commitment was needed to move the project forward on the fastest construction timeline possible, and making an upfront $20 million local contribution was one of four options presented to the City Council. The City could have issued a municipal bond to raise its local contribution. A municipal bond issuance would have resulted in higher costs for the City because of the need to pay annual interest on the bond, and the bond would have been repaid using local tax revenue that is applied to all Overland Park residents, regardless of their use of the highway.
NEWS: Express Toll Lanes receive approvals from the city of Overland Park, The Kansas Turnpike Authority, KS State Finance Council and KDOT.
Public engagement efforts will continue throughout the life of the project.
More here: http://ow.ly/Dtsy50FiKiS. #69Express
What's next for #69Express?
We now are looking toward Kansas Turnpike Authority and State Finance Council reviews of the U.S. 69 expansion project later this week. As the project progresses, we look forward to working with the City to complete the environmental evaluation, address transportation equity issues and continue engaging with the community. Along with the City, our goal is to ensure that the end result delivers the highest possible benefits to the Overland Park community and all users of U.S. 69.
"The City of Overland Park always has been a good partner to KDOT on transportation projects that benefit the community’s residents. We thank the Overland Park City Council for its vote tonight to add express toll lanes on U.S. 69 Highway. The decision is a demonstration of the City’s commitment to maintaining Overland Park’s excellent quality of life by ensuring that the community continues to provide cost-effective, high-performing infrastructure, good access to jobs and an improved level of roadway safety.
We now are looking toward Kansas Turnpike Authority and State Finance Council reviews of the U.S. 69 expansion project later this week. As the project progresses, we look forward to working with the City to complete the environmental evaluation, address transportation equity issues and continue engaging with the community. Along with the City, our goal is to ensure that the end result delivers the highest possible benefits to the Overland Park community and all users of U.S. 69."
It's FAQ Friday! Here's a community question about the
#69Express project... 🚙 🚛 🚗
Q: Why should Johnson County residents pay the same taxes as other Kansans, but not have our roads fixed without additional fees? 🤔
A: Watch answer: https://youtu.be/FDQL0PJf4ng. 🚦
Express Toll Lanes benefit ALL users! (Yes, even those who chose not to pay a toll!) Learn how: ow.ly/15UR50F1nv8 #69Express 🚙 🚙 🚙
