Cost Share Program 

The Kansas Department of Transportation administers the Cost Share Program, a funding opportunity developed following recommendations from the Kansas Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force. The program is designed to leverage state funds with local and private contributions to support transportation-related construction projects that foster job growth, retention, and economic development across Kansas. It is intended to assist both rural and urban areas in addressing critical transportation infrastructure needs. The program’s primary purpose is to provide financial support for construction projects that improve safety, enhance access and mobility, alleviate congestion, or improve infrastructure condition. Eligible projects include roadway improvements, rail initiatives, airport upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and public transit development. Importantly, only construction costs are reimbursable under this program. Preliminary engineering, design work, utility relocations, and similar expenses are explicitly excluded from eligibility. For the Fall 2025 funding round, up to $6 million is available. Individual requests must not exceed $1,000,000. Funding is provided as a reimbursement grant, meaning communities must incur eligible costs before seeking reimbursement from KDOT. Each project requires a minimum 15 percent local, non-state cash match. Higher matching contributions may strengthen an application’s competitiveness. Reimbursement occurs at the proportional rate of local contribution, up to the maximum award amount. Applications are open beginning August 11, 2025, and must be submitted by September 18, 2025, through the online portal on the KDOT website. No other submission methods are accepted. Applications are evaluated based on economic development potential, safety improvements, local financial contribution, regional priority, ability to be let within the fiscal year of award, and geographic distribution. Projects are expected to demonstrate benefits to the transportation system and cannot already be eligible for other KDOT programs. Additional consideration is given to proposals that contribute to business recruitment or retention. The selection process requires that projects be ready to proceed quickly after award. A formal agreement with KDOT and an official Notice to Proceed must be issued before reimbursement is possible. This process generally takes three to six months following the award announcement. Reimbursement requests may be submitted once construction begins and necessary documentation, such as final design plans and bid tabs, has been provided. Applicants may not use Cost Share funds as a match for federal or other state grants. Eligible applicants include local units of government, which will typically administer projects, as well as non-governmental entities. All projects must comply with applicable standards. If located on a KDOT route, state standards and permits apply, requiring coordination with the relevant Area KDOT office. Plans must be certified by a licensed engineer, and projects must adhere to city or county standards. Applications do not roll over between cycles, so entities that applied in a prior round must resubmit. The Cost Share Program is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Applicants are encouraged to review the online sample application before submission. For questions, applicants may contact Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager, at michelle.d.needham@ks.gov or by phone at (785) 296-1939.

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.