A Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to support modernization
of US-59 highway by designating it as a demonstration project.
WHEREAS, According to the Kansas Department of Transportation
within a twenty-mile stretch on US-59 highway from Lawrence to Ottawa
there have been 468 accidents within the last 5 years; and
WHEREAS, According to the Kansas Department of Transportation
103 of those 468 accidents have involved personal injury and bodily harm;
and
WHEREAS, Because of the persistent and continuing economic and
population growth in the area, the traffic count on US-59 will continue
to increase, providing a greater threat to the safety of the traveling public;
and
WHEREAS, Engineering deficiencies in the past have led to the ex-
istence of a highway with scant passing areas and nonexistent shoulders;
and
WHEREAS, This highway is the only viable connecting link between
the major traffic arteries of Interstate-70 and Interstate-35 between K-7
to the east and The Kansas Turnpike to the West; and
WHEREAS, The large costs of purchasing rights-of-way and engi-
neering makes this an ideal project for the State of Kansas to partner in
cost sharing with the federal government; and
WHEREAS, The danger and risk of traveling on US-59 highway has
reached proportions that exceed the reasonable risks associated with driv-
ing on our public highways; and
WHEREAS, The tragic loss of life has become too great on US-59
highway and corrective measures are needed immediately to remedy the
unsafe and hazardous conditions, and improve the safety of this highway;
and
WHEREAS, The State of Kansas is financially unable to remedy this
life threatening situation in the near future: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas, the Senate concurring therein: That the Legislature of the State of Kan-
sas strongly urges the United States Congress to support the designating
of US-59 highway as a demonstration project; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send
copies of this resolution to each member of the Kansas Congressional
Delegation.
I hereby certify that the above Concurrent Resolution originated in the House,
and was adopted by that body