By BELINDA LARSEN
Assistant News Editor, Augusta Daily Gazette
With the help of the Kansas Department of Transportation, the downtown Augusta streetscape will be enhanced.
Deb Miller, Secretary of KDOT announced yesterday afternoon before a crowd gathered at the Frisco Depot, that Augusta has been selected by KDOT to receive a $1.5 million matching grant. The highly anticipated announcement was met with cheering and applause.
Augusta Mayor Ross Rountree addressed the crowd, "I appreciate all of you coming out today to witness and share in the joy of this exciting announcement that will have a very positive impact on the heart of our community," he continued, "We are honored that Secretary Deb Miller of the Kansas Department of Transportation has traveled to Augusta today to announce a group of local partnership projects that KDOT will be providing to Augusta and other communities across Kansas."
Miller told the crowd, "This is all about helping cities realize and achieve their goals. Receiving this grant speaks highly of both your community and your projects...you didn't get discouraged and your interest and commitment made the difference," she added, "I look forward to coming back when the project is completed."
The Augusta project was one of 18 selected for the federally-funded Transportation Enhancement program administered by KDOT. The projects selected for the fiscal year 2008 are located throughout the state and have an estimated cost of $9.7 million.
Augusta's project, which has a total estimated cost of $1.88 million, includes new curbs, decorative brick sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and other amenities along State Street. The local share of the project is approximately $388,000.
Mayor Rountree took the opportunity to thank and recognize those that have worked towards receiving the grant. He thanked the Chamber of Commerce, Save Our State Street (SOS) program, Downtown Augusta Inc., Senator Peggy Palmer, Representative Everett Johnson, former Downtown Augusta Inc. director Marty Yeager, architect Bill Morris, engineer Martin Goedecke, and all the "countless volunteers who had spent many hours working for the special day."
Downtown Augusta Inc. president, Brett Kappelmann said, "Streetscape was but a dream five years ago and the dream is realized today because of time, talent and efforts. Senator Palmer and SOS gave us energy and much-needed boost...let this be a catalyst."
Sen. Peggy Palmer, who took time out of a legislative session in Topeka was on hand and was obviously pleased with the news.
"I want to thank KDOT for recognizing Augusta and awarding the grant. This means so much and this is truly a historic day for Augusta. Our children and their children will benefit from this," she continued, "I have been keeping my colleagues posted on this process and they are thrilled for us, maybe a little jealous, but thrilled."
Downtown Augusta Inc. president, Brett Kappelmann said, "Streetscape was but a dream five years ago and the dream is realized today because of time, talent and efforts. Senator Palmer and SOS gave us energy and much-needed boost...let this be a catalyst."
Kristey Williams, SOS coordinator thanked all the volunteers and donors, "It's remarkable to go this path and I'm so glad to be a part of this."
Mayor Rountree closed the meeting, "The governing body and city staff look forward to working with all of you, and current Main Street Director Don Duncan, to successfully complete this project with the idea of making downtown Augusta not only a revitalized and commercially viable area, but an area destination point as well.
