After hearing complaints and concerns about some rural road conditions in southern Sedgwick County, there are discussions on a policy that would allow the county to step in and resolve problems and issues inside townships. County commissioner Jim Howell says there are some cases where townships have been unable to keep the roads passable.  He and other commissioners are looking at a policy that would be in line with state statutes, where the county would fix a problem road and then bill the township for the costs.   Howell said “Overall, I think townships do great work, but there are some times where there is an issue that seems to be unsolvable.”  He said the statute allows county commissioners to solve the problem, and he’s calling for a policy to provide a framework that will guide the county in situations like this.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Sedgwick County commissioners have agreed to extend a partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation for a proposed future highway project. The county has been buying right-of-way for a proposed Northwest Bypass that would connect K-96 near Maize with Highway 54 near Goddard. The partnership will be extended another five years, starting in 2021. The county has budgeted $1 million for right-of-way purchases in 2021 and the state has agreed to match that. The county has been buying right-of-way since 2006.  Commissioner David Dennis said about one third of the needed property has been purchased. He said the project represents a huge economic development opportunity for Maize, Goddard and west Wichita.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)