Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday the recipients of the annual transportation innovation funding program, awarding a total of $4,511,595.00 to 20 projects across the state of Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation received 22 applications totaling over $5 million. Only twenty projects were selected for funding. Two of the applications were deemed ineligible.

“Investing in innovation is crucial for the future of transportation in Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These awarded projects highlight the ingenuity and dedication within our state to improve safety, efficiency, and infrastructure through the adoption of new technologies and approaches. This program is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient transportation network for all Kansans.”

The projects selected range from aviation, roadway safety, infrastructure assessment to traffic management.

“This year’s selected projects represent a commitment to leveraging technology to address the evolving needs of our transportation system,” stated Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “From enhancing aviation research capabilities to implementing smart solutions for safer roadways, these initiatives will have tangible impacts for communities across Kansas. We are excited to partner with these innovative organizations and see their projects come to fruition.”

Only one Butler County project was selected.

Kansas State University – Salina, Saline County: $1,000,000.00 for advanced UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center Phase II.

Salina Regional Airport, Saline County: $870,000.00 for advanced aviation and engineering research operations.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, Nemaha County: $688,609.00 for an autonomous agricultural vehicle pilot.

ByStep LLC and Island Radar Co., Crawford County: $450,000.00 for a blocked railroad crossing alert system pilot.

City of Dodge City, Ford County: $220,000.00 for traffic signal modernization and coordination.

City of Wichita and Vivacity Labs, Sedgwick County: $187,500.00 for improving multi-modal safety in Wichita with advanced AI.

Sedgwick County, Sedgwick County: $150,000.00 for traffic signal safety upgrades.

City of Maize, Sedgwick County: $150,000.00 for radar detection traffic signals.

City of Gardner, Johnson County: $90,000.00 for Gardner pavement assessment and management.

City of Halstead, Harvey County: $75,750.00 AI street inventory and assessment.

City of Topeka, Shawnee County: $75,000.00 for Madison and Monroe Corridor radar traffic detection.

Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County: $60,000.00 for a VIN Inspection program modernization.

City of Maize, Sedgwick County: $59,950.00 for a Maize local street assessment using AI.

City of Park City, Sedgwick County: $49,125.00 for a transportation network evaluation using AI.

City of Edgerton, Johnson County: $25,000.00 for an automated pavement condition index and asset management.

Leavenworth County, Leavenworth County: $15,000.00 for a 2000W laser cleaning machine.

Kearny County, Kearny County: $12,636.00 for vibratory roller for asphalt patching.

Kearny County Airport, Kearny County: $8,025.00 for an airport debris removal broom.

City of Lakin, Kearny County: $5,000.00 for a mow and maintenance skid steer attachment.