City Connecting Link Improvement Program 

The City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) is administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and provides federal and state funding to support infrastructure projects that enhance City Connecting Links within city boundaries. A City Connecting Link is defined as any part of the State Highway System that passes through a city's incorporated limits, excluding segments on the Interstate System and fully controlled access parts of the Freeway System. The program was developed to help cities maintain and improve these links for safety, operational efficiency, and long-term functionality. CCLIP encompasses three primary categories of funding: Surface Preservation (SP), Pavement Restoration (PR), and Geometric Improvement (GI). SP projects aim to extend the service life of road surfaces through overlays, mill and overlay, patching, joint repair, and similar work. It may include ADA curb ramp construction as required by federal guidelines but excludes bridge or major structural work. PR projects are for more extensive rehabilitation needs, including full-depth pavement replacement and related work such as storm sewer upgrades or curb and gutter repair. GI projects focus on modifying road geometry to improve safety and capacity, including intersection redesigns, widening, and addition of turn lanes. Funding for SP projects is provided solely by state and local sources, while PR and GI categories are supported by a mix of state, federal, and local funds depending on the project phase. Maximum funding caps are set at $400,000 for SP projects and $1,500,000 for both PR and GI projects. Matching fund requirements are based on city population, ranging from no required match for cities with populations under 2,500 to a 25% match for cities over 100,000 in population. To apply, KDOT issues a formal Call for Projects along with application materials. Interested cities must complete the application using provided forms and participate in site visits with KDOT District Engineers and Bureau of Local Projects staff to review and justify their proposed projects. These officials then categorize, prioritize, and submit final recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation for approval. Applications are evaluated based on project necessity and alignment with program goals. For selected projects, cities in the SP category handle all project development and construction administration. In contrast, for PR and GI projects, KDOT typically handles construction letting and contractor payments unless the city qualifies for locally administered procedures. For more information, questions, or to confirm the program's status, applicants should contact the KDOT Bureau of Local Projects at (785) 296-3861 or email KDOT.LPePlans@ks.gov.

Cities should clearly explain project importance during site visit; follow KDOT specs and submission procedures.