New transportation plan, end of highway robbery shape budget outlook

As Kansas lawmakers prepare to adopt a new plan for funding highways and other infrastructure across the state, the Kansas Department of Transportation is shifting gears with its strategy for working with local communities.

KDOT secretary Julie Lorenz said the catalyst for transportation projects used to be job creation. Now, with the state economy stressed by a shortage of workers, the emphasis is on quality of life.

“We are focused on how do we make Kansas communities livelier and more attractive, places where people want to live and raise their kids, and their kids stay and create forever homes,” Lorenz said. “Transportation investments can be a part of that.”