House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB186 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Creating the transportation planning program.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 13, 2019
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 186. Chris Waggoner, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of the bill and responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 8)
Acting Secretary Julie Lorenz, Kansas Department of Transportation testified in support of the bill, which is key for implementing many of the Transportation Task Force recommendations. Transportation needs a reliable and consistent funding source because the health of our highway system is in decline and the Task Force reversed this trend. Highways are one the states largest assets. The language in the bill also allows for flexibility, if needed, to take advantage of federal funds and looks beyond T-WORKS. Secretary Lorenz responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 9)
Wayne Nelson, Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, stood in favor of the bill. This is an important step in the next decade's comprehensive transportation program and starts the process of developing the successor to T-WORKS. Infrastructure safety is essential for our state's development. (Attachment 10)
John Jenks, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, spoke as a proponent of the bill. We need to look to the future as well as complete the current T-WORKS projects. His organization urges the State to look at trends in the workforce and how we move things, as well as smart transportation infrastructure. (Attachment 11)
Kevin Walker, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, stood in favor of the bill and believe it is important that flexibility be built into the new plan to be able to utilize non-state funds, should they become available. (Attachment 12)
Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties, spoke as a proponent of the bill. People and businesses that make up our state rely on a safe and cost effective transportation system. This bill provides the foresight, planning and funding for transportation planning in Kansas. (Attachment 13)
Scott Heidner, American Council of Engineering Companies, testified in support of the bill and applauded the legislature and task force for bringing transportation to the forefront. This bill calls for a collaborative effort, which is greatly appreciated. The Kansas Department of Transportation has already been proactive. Mr. Heidner included a proposed amendment in his testimony. (Attachment 14)
Michael White, Kansas Contractors Association, supports the bill, which sets a new vision for transportation planning. The Task Force did some good work and this is one step in the process but he doesn't want to lose sight of the next step, which is funding. (Attachment 15)
Jason Watkins, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, stood as a proponent of the bill. Every region has issues but the North Junction in Wichita is a major bottleneck for traffic, safety and economic development. A project to address these concerns remains unfunded. (Attachment 16)
Amanda Stanley, League of Kansas Municipalities, testified in favor of the bill. All cities in Kansas share a need for a consistent and dependable transportation plan and this bill seeks to provide that for the next ten years. (Attachment 17)
Chairperson McGinn continued the hearing on SB 186.
Chairperson McGinn adjourned the meeting at 11:46 am. The next meeting will be March 14, 2019.
