Group Warns that Budget Woes Threaten Kansas Highway Program

A research group is warning the state’s 10-year highway program could be threatened if the Kansas Legislature continues to use State Highway Fund money for other state expenses.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports state transportation officials remain confident the projects in the highway program, called T-Works, will be completed. They acknowledge some projects meant to prevent costlier repairs in the future might be delayed.

The Kansas Center for Economic Growth said in a report released Thursday that the state is maintaining a commitment to scheduled projects that result in new bridges and roads but it is falling behind in maintaining existing roads and bridges that lead to the new projects. The nonpartisan, nonprofit group has been a frequent critic of tax cuts championed by Gov. Sam Brownback.