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KDOT Cuts Follow Fiscal Forecast

By Brian Hagen/Associated Press

04/21/2016

(MSC News)--No local projects are included among a list of 25 set to be delayed by the Kansas Department of Transportation due to the state's fiscal climate.

KDOT Wednesday announced the delay of the modernization and expansion projects that had been planned for 2017 and 2018.

The delays for 2017 include 10 projects estimated to cost more than $273 million, while the 2018 delays include 15 projects estimated to cost around $279 million.

The cuts follow Wednesday's announcement that Kansas Budget Director Shawn Sullivan's latest fiscal forecast indicates the state's tax collections will fall short by $348 million for both the current, and next, fiscal year.

The Associated Press reports the new forecast drafted Wednesday would leave the state with budget shortfalls totaling more than $290 million.

In response, Sullivan, Wednesday evening outlined three option for balancing the budget, but focused on a preferred plan that strikes at revenue dedicated to pensions, higher education, highways and children.

Brownback says it would not be useful for Kansas legislators to debate raising taxes in looking for ways to balance the budget. But the Kansas Senate's top Democrat, Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, said Wednesday the governor is in "denial" about the failure of his tax policies. GOP lawmakers slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013.

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