The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2020-2023 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov. 6. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Kansas Department of Corrections inmates arrive safely in Arizona
A group of inmates being relocated to provide relief for the Kansas prison system arrived safely in Arizona, the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) announced today.
The group of 120 medium- and maximum-custody inmates were transported to the Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Ariz., by secure air transport, paid for by CoreCivic under the terms of a contract with the State.
Specific details about the transportation of inmates to Arizona will not be disclosed due to security and safety concerns.
“The KDOC has sought to relocate offenders who will be successful and most likely to benefit from the programmatic opportunities available through Saguaro Correctional Center”, said KDOC Deputy Secretary of Facilities Management Joel Hrabe.
KDOC used a screening process that identified offenders who have at least 24 months until release, low frequency of visitation, a need for education/vocational programming, and are medically able.
The KDOC has also posted information for family members athttps://www.doc.ks.gov/facilities/out-of-state-inmates which includes specifics on visitation, mail and other essential information. A staff member in KDOC Central Office has also been designated as a resource for families who have questions about their family member or processes.
The KDOC Office of Victim Services (OVS) has also notified registered victims of those transferred.
“The plan we announced on August 9, 2019 was to move inmates sooner, and in larger numbers,” said KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda. “We have been exploring all available options to avoid sending anyone out of state, but ultimately concluded this is the appropriate course. It is my hope that this will be a short-term solution and that we will not have to move additional inmates.”
On October 17, 2019, the KDOC had an inmate population of 9,027 male offenders, which the Kansas Sentencing Commission projects will increase to 10,399 by the end of state fiscal year 2029.
Governor Kelly appointed Dr. Stephanie Davis, Lawrence, to the Governor’s Military Council.
The goal of the Council is to pursue initiatives to enhance the quality of life for our servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their families. Council members help develop outreach opportunities for individuals discharging or retiring from military service to use their talents and skills as members of the Kansas workforce, and promote Kansas as a desired location for all Department of Defense retirees and separating servicemembers.
The Council also looks to optimize the military presence in Kansas. This includes efforts to recruit and retain new missions and force structure, and actively foster close, effective cooperation among the installations and public and private sectors throughout the State.
“Dr. Davis is highly qualified for this position,” Kelly said. “Her experience working in the Veterans Administration and her expertise working with veterans and their families will be an asset as the Council pursues initiatives moving forward. We are fortunate to have her on the team.”
Davis currently works as the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for VA Eastern Kansas. Previously, she worked as a psychologist for VA Eastern Kansas and for Christian Psychological Services. Davis received a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Iowa. She is a licensed psychologist by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Davis also is the VA Liaison for the Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families.
The governor’s appointments to the Council are not subject to Kansas Senate confirmation.
Secretary of Commerce David Toland to Participate in Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference
The Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, at the KU Memorial Union at the University of Kansas. Secretary Toland’s keynote address, titled, “Growing Kansas: A Look at Kansas Economic Development,” will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m.
At 1:00 p.m., Secretary Toland will be participating in a panel titled, “Conversation: Can Policies Spur Economic Development?” along with Rep. Jason Probst, Rep. Don Hineman and Sen. Julia Lynn.
What: Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference
KDOT invites stakeholders to discuss transportation priorities at upcoming Local Consult meetings
A second series of Local Consult meetings hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation will give citizens a chance to discuss regional transportation priorities and continue shaping FORWARD, the State’s next 10-year transportation program.
“Kansans are ready for the next transportation program to improve safety and grow our economy,” Secretary of Transportation, Julie Lorenz said. “We heard from more than 1,100 Kansans across the State who talked about the importance of completing T-WORKS projects, improving highways and making transit, aviation and rail work better. Now, as promised, we are coming back out for a second round of meetings to discuss specific transportation priorities in each region.”
All meetings will include an opening presentation and use facilitated breakout groups to:
Discuss transportation assets and needs at a regional level and gather feedback on priorities among KDOT’s various programs;
Share draft engineering and economic scores for highway modernization and expansion projects and gather feedback on those scores;
Discuss which highway modernization and expansion projects are regional priorities.
The meetings all will have a similar format, but the content will be specific to the region. KDOT encourages people to attend the meeting within the KDOT district where their community is located.
The Local Consult meetings are scheduled to take place in October and November in Pittsburg, Junction City, Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita, Great Bend, Liberal and Colby. A list of the dates, times and locations are below.
If possible, please contact Mike Moriarty, KDOT Chief of Transportation Planning, at 785-296-8864 or [email protected] to let us know which meeting you plan to attend.
Southeast Region – Pittsburg
Tuesday, Oct. 29
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Pittsburg State University
Overman Student Center
302 E. Cleveland
Pittsburg, KS 66762
North Central Region – Junction City
Wednesday, Oct. 30
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Geary County Convention Center
at the Courtyard Marriott
310 Hammons Dr.
Junction City, KS 66441
Northeast Region – Topeka
Tuesday, Nov. 5
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Capital Plaza Hotel
Maner Conference Center
1717 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66612
Kansas City Metro Region – Kansas City
Wednesday, Nov. 6
9 a.m.-noon
The Reardon Convention Center
at the Hilton Garden Inn
520 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Wichita Metro Area – Wichita
Friday, Nov. 15
9 a.m.-noon
Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center
225 West Douglas
Wichita, KS 67202
South Central Region – Great Bend
Monday, Nov. 18
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Great Bend Events Center
3111 10th St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Southwest Region – Liberal
Tuesday, Nov. 19
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Seward County Community College
Student Wellness Building
1801 North Kansas Ave.
Liberal, KS 67901
Northwest Region – Colby
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019
1:30-4:30 p.m.
City Limits Convention Center
2227 South Range Ave.
Colby, KS 67701
Governor Laura Kelly’s appointments were submitted today to the Senate Majority Leader’s office in advance of the November 5, 2019, Confirmation Oversight Committee meeting.
The following appointees submitted:
David Herndon (R), Shawnee, Kansas Bank Commissioner
Brad Stratton (U), Overland Park, KPERS Board of Trustees
Kala Spigarelli (D), Pittsburg, Kansas Lottery Commission
Ruth Stevenson (R), Olathe, Banking Board
Rick Wiley (R), Westphalia, Public Employee Relations Board
Dr. Michael Birzer (U), Wichita, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
Patricia Hudgins (D), Manhattan, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
Erica Andrade (D), Kansas City, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
Laurel Michel (R), Salina, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
In addition, paperwork was submitted on July 10 for:
Jeff Zmuda – Secretary, Kansas Department of Corrections
After the November 5, 2019, Confirmation Oversight Committee meeting, the Governor’s appointments will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.
In three weeks voters will be electing government representation.
In addition, there will be a question to consider on the ballot.
In the November 5, 2019, General Election you will be asked to approve removing a census count adjustment.
“The amendment question seeks to do away with a census count specifically for college students and military personnel to be counted where they come from and not where they are at the time of their vote,” according to a report on KSN TV, Wichita, Oct. 14, 2019. For the whole report click below:
Following is how the amendment will appear on the ballot, followed by the Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab’s explanation of the question.
This is how it will read:
Constitutional Amendment
Vote Yes or No
Explanatory statement. The
purpose of this amendment is to
eliminate the adjustment of
the census taken by the United
States census bureau regarding
nonresident military personnel
and nonresident students when
reapportioning the Kansas senate
and house of representatives.
A vote for this proposition would
eliminate the adjustment of
the census taken by the United
States census bureau regarding
nonresident military personnel
and nonresident students when
reapportioning the Kansas senate
and house of representatives.
A vote against this proposition
would continue in effect the
requirement for the adjustment of
the census taken by the United
States census bureau regarding
nonresident military personnel
and nonresident students when
reapportioning the Kansas senate
and house of representatives.
Shall the following be adopted?
1. Reapportionment of
senatorial and representative
districts. (a) At its regular session
in 1989, the legislature shall by
law reapportion the state
representative districts, the state
senatorial districts or both the
state representative and
senatorial districts upon the basis
of the latest census of the
inhabitants of the state taken by
the authority of chapter 61 of the
1987 Session Laws of Kansas. At
its regular session in 1992, and at
its regular session every tenth
year thereafter, the legislature
shall by law reapportion the state
senatorial districts and
representative districts on the
basis of the population of the
state as established by the most
recent census of population taken
and published by the United
States census bureau of the
census. Senatorial and
representative districts shall be
reapportioned upon the basis of
the population of the state
adjusted: (1) To exclude
nonresident military personnel
stationed within the state and
nonresident students attending
colleges and universities within
the state; and (2) to include
military personnel stationed within
the state who are residents of the
state and students attending
colleges and universities within
the state who are residents of the
state in the district of their
permanent residence. Bills
reapportioning legislative districts
shall be published in the Kansas
register immediately upon final
passage and shall be effective for
the next following election of
legislators and thereafter until
again reapportioned.
(b) Within 15 days after the
publication of an act
reapportioning the legislative
districts within the time specified
in (a), the attorney general shall
petition the supreme court of the
state to determine the validity
thereof. The supreme court,
within 30 days from the filing of
the petition, shall enter its
judgment. Should the supreme
court determine that the
reapportionment statute is invalid,
the legislature shall enact a
statute of reapportionment
conforming to the judgment of the
supreme court within 15 days.
(c) Upon enactment of a
reapportionment to conform with
a judgment under (b), the
attorney general shall apply to the
supreme court of the state to
determine the validity thereof.
The supreme court, within 10
days from the filing of such
application, shall enter its
judgment. Should the supreme
court determine that the
reapportionment statute is invalid,
the legislature shall again enact a
statute reapportioning the
legislative districts in compliance
with the direction of and
conforming to the mandate of the
supreme court within 15 days
after entry thereof.
(d) Whenever a petition or
application is filed under this
section, the supreme court, in
accordance with its rules, shall
permit interested persons to
present their views.
(e) A judgment of the supreme
court of the state determining a
reapportionment to be valid shall
be final until the legislative
districts are again reapportioned
in accordance herewith.
KEY POINTS
The following is provided by Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason, who sent info from the Kansas Secretary of State to explain the amendment.
Kansas is the only state in the nation that adjusts its census numbers.
Adjustment is estimated to cost $835,000 in 2020.
In the 2010 adjustment, approximately 13,000 people, out of 2.9 million, were affected.
Eliminating the adjustment would give lawmakers an additional legislative session to complete redistricting.
Legislative and State Board of Education districts would be drawn using the same numbers as congressional districts.
The Legislature supported eliminating the adjustment with bi-partisan super majorities.
Summary:
A Proposition to amend section 1 of article 10 of the constitution of the state of Kansas.
In 2019, the Legislature passed a constitutional amendment (SCR1605) with a bipartisan super majority to eliminate a provision in the Kansas Constitution requiring Kansas to adjust census numbers for military personnel and college students. Intended to slow the impact of urban migration from rural Kansas to the more populated, eastern half of the state, the requirement has, historically, had the opposite effect by marginally increasing population numbers for urban areas.
The adjustment is antiquated, burdensome and expensive because it requires the Secretary of State’s office to contact every college student and member of the military residing in Kansas to determine their official residence. Keep in mind, the U.S. Census Bureau is responsible for counting individuals where they reside in the United States. They expend significant resources in communicating with Americans on the importance of the Census. Kansas is essentially asking students and military personnel the same question – at a cost of at least $835,000 – in a manner contradictory to what is asked by the Census Bureau.
Agencies Warn of Seasonal Increase in Vehicle-Deer Crashes
TOPEKA – Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move this time of year, increasing the chances of deer-vehicle collisions.
Typically, the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes are in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks. In addition to the rut, deer are also on the move in mid-fall seeking new food sources and shelter as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.
“Wet weather this year may cause some deer to cross roads in new places and the additional vegetation growth could make deer harder to see until they are in the road. The approaching breeding season increases deer movement, and the cooler weather, along with young deer dispersing to find new home ranges, mean more deer may be crossing the roads.” said Levi Jaster, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Big Game Coordinator.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 10,734 (16.5 percent) of the 64,933 vehicle crashes reported in 2018 were deer-related (crashes in which a deer and vehicle actually collided, or the presence of a deer was a contributing circumstance). Although crashes involving deer occur throughout the year in every Kansas county, the highest number of crashes typically occur where there are the most vehicles. Sedgwick County had 418 deer-vehicle crashes reported in 2018, the most of any county, while Butler County followed with 384 reported deer-vehicle crashes.
“In addition to potentially causing human injuries and loss of life, deer collisions often cause significant vehicle damage that can lead to large expenses for the vehicle owner if not properly insured,” said Shawn Steward, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas. “Of the animal strikes reported by AAA Insurance policy holders during the five year period between 2014 and 2018, the average cost per claim was nearly $4,300.”
“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said the KHP’s Lt. Adam Winters. “Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”
The agencies recommend the following to help motorists avoid crashes with deer:
Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are more active.
If you see one deer, watch for others, as they seldom travel alone.
Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle/deer crashes have occurred in the past. Heed these warnings.
Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the road ahead of you to watch for deer.
Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer—the most serious crashes sometimes occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.
Always wear a seat belt and use the appropriately-fitted child safety seats—they are your best defense should you be involved in a crash.
Honk your horn with one long blast. A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.
If you do strike a deer, here are some additional tips:
Slow down, move your vehicle to the shoulder if possible, and call for law enforcement. KHP dispatch can be reached at *47, Kansas Turnpike at *KTA, and local law enforcement at 911. Make sure you tell the dispatcher if the animal or your vehicle is still in the road.
If you hit a deer or other animal, do not worry about removing the animal. Law enforcement can remove the animal from the road when they arrive. Don’t go near a wounded animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be unpredictable.
Turn on your hazard lights and remain buckled up inside your vehicle. You are more protected this way, should a secondary crash occur.
If you must be outside your vehicle, make sure it is as far off the road as possible, and do not stand between your vehicle and another one. Keep children buckled, and in car seats in the vehicle. Be vigilant and watch traffic to ensure they aren’t getting close to you.
Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.
A salvage tag is required to remove a deer carcass, or any part of the carcass, from the crash site. Tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWPT game wardens.
KDA Provides Updated Reports on the Economic Contribution of Agriculture
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has recently updated its interactive map of Kansas, showing the economic contribution of agriculture across the state broken down by county. Located on the KDA website, the interactive resource can be used to find the agricultural economic facts for each of the 105 counties in Kansas, as well as a report for the entire state.
“As we review the economic contribution of Kansas agriculture, we are pleased to report a total direct output of $46.9 billion supporting 134,057 jobs in the agriculture industry,” said Secretary Mike Beam. “This output is slightly higher than our data published last year at this time, so we know our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses across a variety of commodity sectors continue to be critical to Kansas communities despite very challenging economic times for our industry.”
KDA annually updates the state and county economic statistics to provide an understanding of the vast influence of the 68 sectors of agriculture on the state’s economy. In addition to the direct output, the reports include the indirect and induced effects of agriculture and ag-related sectors, which demonstrate the total impact that agriculture has in Kansas communities. This total economic contribution of agriculture totals over $65 billion and supports more than 245,000 jobs statewide.
The interactive map allows users to see detailed agricultural statistics including farm numbers, leading agricultural sectors, and value-added data for each county. KDA utilizes data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The economic contribution data is sourced from the most recent IMPLAN data available (2017) and adjusted for 2019.
The county statistics map is available at agriculture.ks.gov/ksag. For updated information, click on a county and find the “2019 Full Report for County” after the county sector list. KDA is committed to advocating for and promoting the agriculture industry, and providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy.
TOPEKA – The Department of Revenue is giving Kansas corporations more time to file returns due to the complexity of the 2017 Federal Tax Reform legislation.
Corporations filing Kansas tax returns will have an additional 30 days with no penalty, making the new deadline November 15. While the extension applies to filing corporate returns, it does not correspond to the deadline for corporate tax payments, which are required to be submitted on the 15th day of the fourth month following the end of the corporation’s tax year.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly changed the landscape of tax law for corporations, and the extra time is designed to give corporate filers more time to ensure accuracy and compliance with the new law.
The extension applies to 2018 corporate income tax returns filed by November 15, or within an additional month for an extended 2018 corporate income tax return for corporations that file on a fiscal year basis.
Kelly Administration Begins Design of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for State
TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced Monday they have kicked off the development of the “Framework for Growth” – a robust strategy to accelerate economic growth in the state of Kansas.
The announcement comes after a months-long search for a professional consulting services firm to help research and analyze the Kansas economy and deliver a comprehensive economic development blueprint for the state.
“The economic challenges facing Kansas require innovative solutions and a well-coordinated approach,” Governor Kelly said. “It’s been more than 30 years since the state had a formal strategy to accelerate economic development. The creation and implementation of a new economic growth strategy, along with other initiatives such as tax reform, will help ensure Kansas remains an attractive place for individuals and businesses alike.”
In coordination with members of Kansas businesses and economic development organizations, the Commerce team will develop the first economic development strategy for the state of Kansas since the Redwood-Krider report was issued in 1986.
“Kansas’ lack of a strategy has resulted in our state lagging in some key economic indicators such as GDP growth, population growth and labor participation. Under the leadership of Governor Kelly, I’m excited to announce that we have now embarked on a necessary journey to bring Kansas back to best in class,” Secretary Toland said. “To be competitive in today’s global economy, we must identify and pursue new, nimble economic best practices. It’s past time that we develop a thoughtful, strategic plan to guide Kansas forward.”
A steering committee consisting of economic development professionals, Kansas business leaders and Commerce staff has been created to guide the team through the planning process and the development of the Framework for Growth.
“Our local and regional economic development partners and business stakeholders are critical to our success as a state, so as we put together the team who would guide this process, it was important they were represented in the steering committee,” Toland said. “We also want to ensure that all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to be involved in this process and have created an online survey to capture feedback and allow individuals to share their ideas of how to create long-term prosperity for Kansas.”
The Department of Commerce selected McKinsey and Company as its partner for this important initiative. The work over the next several months will be broken into three phases: assessment and benchmarking, recommendations and best practices, and implementation planning. Each of these phases will be underpinned by ongoing stakeholder and public engagement, and the Department of Commerce will provide progress reports upon the completion of each phase.
For more information on the Kansas Framework for Growth, visit www.kansasgrowth.com.
FEMA Grant Awarded for High Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Program
$409,298 awarded for use on eligible dams in Kansas
The Kansas Water Office (KWO), with assistance from Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation applied for the FY 2019 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant. The approval was recently announced and Kansas is being awarded $409,298 in grant funds for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.
“Many Kansans were able to see firsthand benefits of dams helping to minimize downstream flooding this year across the state,” said Kansas Water Office Director Earl Lewis. “Utilization of resources such as this HHPD Rehabilitation Grant will help to ensure eligible projects will function properly into the future.”
The purpose of the HHPD Grant is to make funds available to eligible dams for technical, planning, design, and pre-construction assistance. Two eligible dams, McPherson County State Lake Dam and Lake Sherwood Dam, were part of this initial Kansas request to FEMA. Both were approved and there are 34 other eligible dams with the option to apply for the grant funds through KWO. In order for a dam to be considered eligible it must be a non-federal dam located in a state with a state dam safety program, classified as high hazard potential by the state dam safety agency, have an approved emergency action plan, and pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
“Overtime, some dams have been reclassified as high hazard structures and are now out of compliance,” and,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With the award of the HHPD Grant funds, we will have the ability to work with eligible dam owners throughout the state to bring their high hazard classified dams into compliance. Having these dams in compliance will reduce risks to the public, decrease flood potential, and in some cases, protect critical water supplies.”
The official and final grant award notification was received by the KWO on September 19 with three years to utilize funds. The KWO will again work with the KDA Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation to revise the grant work plan to appropriately distribute the additional funds.
For more information about the grant please contact the Kansas Water Office at 785-296-3185 or email [email protected].
