----------------------------------------------------------------------------


AN ACT concerning highways; providing for the implementation of a
  highway program.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
  Section 1.  (a) In order to provide for the construction and recon-
struction of a modern and efficient system of highways within the state,
the secretary of transportation is hereby authorized and directed to ini-
tiate a highway program which shall include highway and bridge projects
selected by the secretary of transportation using the transportation de-
partment's project selection method.
  (b)  In addition, the secretary of transportation shall include in the
highway program the following work categories and activities:
  (1)  An increase in substantial maintenance to a level sufficient to ar-
rest and reverse the decline in the surface condition of the highways and
bridges;
  (2)  maximize the state's use of federally available funds;
  (3)  increase the state's participation in partnership with the cities and
counties including:
  (A)  Geometric improvements on city connecting links;
  (B)  city connecting link payments;
  (C)  economic development projects;
  (4)  improvements in transportation programs to aid the elderly and
disabled; and
  (5)  system enhancements, which include additions and special pro-
jects that substantially improve safety, relieve congestion, improve ac-
cesses or enhance economic development. The department of transpor-
tation shall develop and utilize criteria for the selection of system
enhancement projects.
  Sec. 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
publication in the statute book.