City Council members learned this week that Augusta missed out on the first round of a federal fund distribution which would have help pay for improvements along Seventh Street (U.S. 54-400)
They’re hoping for money from a second American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus package. The Seventh Street work plans and specifications done and in place when that happens.
Congress is working on a second package.
Kansas received $384 million for highway and bridge projects. The state department of transportation dedicated $34.7 million to first-wave city and county projects.
City Manager Bill Keefer received an e-mail Monday from engineer Glen L. Scott with the Bureau of Local Projects saying all the ARRA money has been committed.
Augusta’s project is on the ARRA contingency list. The contingency work will reportedly receive first priority consideration after Congress passes additional legislation.
Other Business
During this week’s meeting, the Council also:
• Okayed a $34,366 bid from Rusty Eck Ford of Wichita for two new Crown Victoria police patrol vehicles. Two older vehicles will be traded in.
• Approved purchase of a 15-foot mowing deck for the Park Department from Prairie Land Partners at a cost of $23,370.88.
• Endorsed purchase of a 15-foot Rhino Mower from Wichita Tractor and a 4-wheel drive John Deere tractor from Prairie Land Partners at a total cost of $32,575.88.
• Gave a go-ahead for the trade of a little-used dump truck (acquired four years ago) with Trailers & Hitches for a new 7’x 14’ heavy duty flat bed equipment trailer.
• Approved renewal of the Global Parts Inc. application for property tax exemption status in the Augusta Industrial Park.
• Endorsed a $1,300 voluntary assessment for the Kansas Municipalities (KMU) organization for legislative special projects.
Topeka, Ks —
