Cost Share Program 

The Cost Share Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), is designed to provide financial assistance to local entities undertaking transportation construction projects across Kansas. This program was established following recommendations from the Kansas Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force, which emphasized the importance of leveraging state funds in conjunction with local and private investments to promote job growth and economic retention. Since its inception, the program has become a critical component of KDOT’s broader infrastructure funding strategies under the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), which was approved by the Kansas Legislature in 2020. The core objective of the Cost Share Program is to address key transportation needs while promoting economic development. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, roadway construction (on and off the state highway system), rail enhancements, airport improvements, and bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure. All projects must be construction-related, as only direct construction costs are reimbursable under this program. The emphasis is on initiatives that enhance safety, alleviate congestion, improve access and mobility, and elevate the condition of the transportation system in both rural and urban parts of the state. For the Spring 2026 cycle, KDOT has allocated up to $6 million in available funding, with individual project requests capped at $1 million. A mandatory non-state local cash match of at least 15% is required. Applications that commit more than the minimum match are given additional consideration during the evaluation process. The grant operates as a reimbursement program, meaning recipients are reimbursed based on their local match percentage—typically 85% of costs are reimbursed until the award maximum is reached. Eligibility for the Cost Share Program extends primarily to local units of government, but non-governmental applicants will also be considered. Projects must demonstrate transportation benefits and cannot be eligible for funding through other KDOT programs. Priority is given to proposals that support economic development objectives such as business retention or recruitment. Additionally, factors such as local financial contribution, regional significance, safety impact, and the ability to commence construction within the same fiscal year play a critical role in the project selection process. Applications for the Spring 2026 round will open on February 16, 2026, and must be submitted online through KDOT’s official application portal no later than end of day March 26, 2026. There are no pre-application steps required, and a sample application is available on the website to assist applicants in preparing their submissions. Michelle Needham, KDOT’s Economic Development Programs Manager, is the primary contact for inquiries related to the program and can be reached via phone or email. This grant opportunity recurs semiannually, with rounds typically opening in the spring and fall. The regularity of these cycles allows local entities to plan strategically and align their project readiness with upcoming funding rounds. As the Spring 2026 cycle opens, applicants are encouraged to prepare early and consider strengthening their proposals by increasing their local match contribution and aligning projects with KDOT’s broader transportation and economic development goals.

Reimbursement only begins after a Notice to Proceed and submission of final plans and bid tabs. Ensure at least a 15% cash match is secured. Stronger applications exceed the minimum match and demonstrate job growth or retention impact.