(KAIR)--An Atchison makeover is coming, with the local project among twenty-five selected for funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program of the Kansas Department of Transportation. 

The city of Atchison was awarded just over $845,000 in funding for streetscape improvements in the 800 block of Commercial Street.  The city will provide a local match of just over $211,000. 

Announcement of Atchison's selection was made by City Manager Trey Cocking during Monday's meeting of the City Commission. 

Public Works Director Justin Pregont says the work will take place between 8th and 9th Streets on Commercial. "The easiest way to explain this is it's a sewer separation project," Pregont tells MSC News. "Then on the surface, it makes the 800 block match the 700 block. All of the decorative light poles, all of the benches, the bulb-outs, the new street, all of that design concept that's in the 700 block of Commercial, and also in the 400 block of Commercial, will now be extended through the 800 block of Commercial."

Although the announcement of the award is being made public,  Pregont says the actual start of the project will not be immediate. "Definitely a year away, maybe even two," Pregont says. 

Transportation Alternative Program Coordinator Mike Spadafore says KDOT received 48 applications and chose projects that would best strengthen non-motorized transportation for Kansans of all ages and abilities. 

Each project sponsor must commit to a minimum 20 percent match.

The funds are provided to KDOT by the Federal Highway Administration.