DOT 134-09
Friday, August 28, 2009
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel: 202-366-4570

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari Kicks Off First ARRA Funded Highway Project in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. – U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari today kicked off construction of the I-135 Interchange, the first highway project in Wichita with construction costs fully funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“The reconstruction of the I-135 interchange here in Wichita is a great example of a stimulus project that’s going to leave a lasting impression,” Deputy Secretary Porcari said. “This project is going to relieve a chronic bottleneck and open the door to new commercial and retail development.”

The winning $16.1 million bid on the I-135 Interchange construction came in $7 million dollars less than expected which will allow for additional improvements to 47th Street and for the completion of the K-18 Corridor from Ogden to Manhattan.

Overall Kansas has obligated almost $250 million for transportation projects around the state, of which almost $220 million is for highway projects.

“As a result of this ground-breaking legislation, we’re putting people back to work in Wichita and other communities across the country,” Porcari added.

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