Economic Development Program

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) administers the Economic Development Program with the objective of creating new jobs and encouraging capital investment in Kansas by funding transportation improvements that support the recruitment of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. This program is designed to address critical transportation needs that directly contribute to economic growth and enhanced mobility across the state. KDOT is a state government agency responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Kansas’ transportation infrastructure, including roadways, rail, airports, and public transit. Through the Economic Development Program, KDOT aims to ensure that transportation infrastructure keeps pace with the evolving demands of Kansas’ business environment. The program offers an annual funding pool of $20 million, provided as a reimbursement to support a wide variety of transportation improvements that have demonstrable impacts on job creation and capital investment. Eligible applicants include local governments, often collaborating with private businesses, to submit projects that address specific transportation problems. These problems might include promoting safety, improving access and mobility, or relieving congestion. Projects must directly support a new or expanding non-speculative business; speculative or future business recruitment projects are not eligible. Furthermore, projects must occur in areas where basic infrastructure such as water and utilities is already in place or imminent. A critical requirement is that these projects foster new job creation and capital investment within Kansas and do not merely relocate existing business operations from one part of the state to another. Local support is also essential, with evidence of backing from local leaders such as elected officials or chambers of commerce required as part of the application. The program considers a wide range of transportation improvements across all modes, including on- and off-system roadways, rail, airports, and public transit. Typical eligible projects include the construction of access roads, turning lanes, and rail spurs. The minimum preferred local match for projects is 25 percent. Funding decisions for projects that are pivotal to recruiting a new business to Kansas can be expedited, with approval decisions rendered within 30 days. Other projects that are not time-sensitive are pooled and selected on an annual basis as funding availability allows. Communities interested in applying should contact Michelle Needham, the Economic Development Program Manager at KDOT, to request an application. Michelle Needham can be reached via phone at 785-296-1939 or via email at michelle.d.needham@ks.gov. The Kansas Department of Transportation is located at the Eisenhower State Office Building, 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66603-3745. The program is part of the state’s fiscal year 2023-2024 initiatives. Applicants should ensure they meet all program requirements and assemble strong project proposals that clearly demonstrate alignment with the program’s goals of job creation and capital investment. They should also secure local support and confirm that required infrastructure is ready to support the proposed transportation improvement. The expedited approval pathway offers a significant opportunity for businesses that are poised to make immediate investments, while the annual selection process provides a regular avenue for communities to advance strategic economic development initiatives. The Economic Development Program stands as a vital tool in fostering statewide economic vitality through targeted transportation enhancements.