68-20,119. Feasibility study of additional interchanges on turnpike.

68-20,119

Chapter 68.--ROADS AND BRIDGES
PART III.--MISCELLANEOUS
Article 20.--TOLL ROADS OR TURNPIKES

      68-20,119.   Feasibility study of additional interchanges on turnpike.(a) The Kansas turnpike authority is hereby directed to study the feasibilityof constructing one or more turnpike projects consisting of interchangesfor access to the existing turnpike. The interchanges which are to havefeasibility determined shall be in the general vicinity of each of the followinglocations: (1) The turnpike intersection with the Lecompton-Perry roadwest of Lawrence, (2) the turnpike intersection with highway 77 near ElDorado reservoir, (3) in the area of the turnpike intersection with highway53 near Mulvane, and (4) the turnpike intersection with Andover Road nearAndover. Such study shall determine feasibility of each interchange locationseparately, and also jointly or collectively if two or more interchangesappear feasible.

      (b)   The feasibility study shall be based upon the use of existing right-of-waywhere possible, and in addition shall include, but not be limited to:

      (1)   An estimate of the total cost of such project or projects, includingthose items defined as cost by K.S.A. 68-2093;

      (2)   a determination of the extent to which the project or projects canbe financed by the investment of nonstate funds in revenue bonds issuedfor the construction of such project or projects;

      (3)   the interest rate at which any revenue bonds authorized could be issued;

      (4)   a projection of the potential traffic volume on the project or projects;

      (5)   an estimate of the amount of tolls and other revenues to be derivedfrom the project or projects which would be required to finance or guaranteethe financing of the project or projects solely from such tolls and revenues; and

      (6)   such other data deemed necessary by the authority for a determinationof feasibility.

      (c)   For the purpose of conducting such study, the Kansas turnpike authoritymay employ consulting engineers, traffic engineers, legal and financialexperts and other employees and agents as necessary.

      (d)   There is hereby appropriated to the Kansas turnpike authority fromthe state generalfund the sum of $90,000 from which to pay the cost of the feasibility studyprovided for in this act. Notwithstanding the other provisions of thisact, the authority shall not study any specified interchange, unless oneor more adjoining cities or counties contribute 20% of the cost of the studyallocated to such interchange. The entire amount of each such contributionshall be remitted by the authority to the state treasurer and the statetreasurer shall deposit all of such contribution in the state treasury andcredit the same to the state general fund. Every such contribution shallbe paid to the authority by the interested city or county from any fundavailable for construction or repair of roads or bridges. Expendituresfor such purpose from such appropriation may be made during the period fromthe effective date of this act until December 31, 1981.

      (e)   The study shall be completed by December 31, 1981, and the authorityshall submit a report of the findings and recommendations thereon to thegovernor and the 1982 regular session of the legislature.

      (f)   If the Kansas turnpike authority shall find that the constructionof such project or projects are feasible and shall recommend that one ormore of such interchanges be constructed, the expenditures made by the authorityin conducting the feasibility study required herein shall be regarded asa part of the cost of the project and shall be reimbursed to the state treasurer,for credit to the state general fund, out of the proceeds of the revenuebonds issued to pay the cost of the project. Further, for any interchangedetermined feasible, any city, county or person that has contributed tothe cost of the feasibility study shall be reimbursed such cost from proceedsfrom revenue bonds issued to pay the cost of the project and such reimbursementsshall be regarded as a part of the cost of the project.

      History:   L. 1981, ch. 261, § 1; April 25.