TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday 11 rural roadway projects will receive a total of $8.1 million in federal funds through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program.

“Made possible through the IKE Transportation Program, these projects address much needed upgrades of rural roadways,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By improving intersections, signage, and other critical roadway features, we are building momentum for a safer, stronger Kansas.”

The HRRR program is federally funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program and is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of rural roads. An additional $1.6 million in local funds will be utilized for the selected projects. This year’s 11 HRRR projects were selected from 29 applications seeking $29.9 million in funds.

“With over 20% of fatal and serious injury crashes occurring on county roads, strong partnerships will be necessary to achieve the goal of zero roadway fatalities,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “KDOT’s collaboration with local governments through programs like HRRR benefits our communities and strengthens connections across the state.”

Projects in this program fall into one of two categories: Systemic (encompassing a local roadway network) or Site Specific.

In Southwest Kansas Meade County was approved for a Site Specific Project. Meade County was awarded $800,000 with a $400,000 County match to add shoulders at 26 Road, Cemetery Road, Old 54, 10th Avenue, and 27th Road.