Yesterday, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the creation of a task force charged with crafting a new strategic transportation approach that positions Kansas for the future.

 “We know transportation is critical to seizing economic opportunities and creating jobs to stimulate our economy,” Sebelius said.  “With our state’s 10-year transportation program coming to an end, now is the time to begin planning for the future to ensure we keep our infrastructure in good shape and put our state in position for economic growth.  I’ve asked task force members to create a vision that is mindful of our money, recognizes the needs of both rural and urban Kansas and uses the strength of all transportation modes.”

Sebelius directed Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Deb Miller to assemble a task force comprised of transportation experts and influential community leaders from across the state.  The task force, Transportation-Leveraging Investments in Kansas (T-LINK), is charged with developing a set of recommendations for a new strategic transportation approach. 

Recently, Sebelius sent letters to T-LINK members asking that their recommendations be shaped by the following priorities:

o     A commitment to keeping roads and bridges safe and in good repair;

o     A collaborative project selection process that aligns our transportation investments with our state’s economic priorities;

o     A new approach that reflects today’s fiscal realities, but also creates a framework to prepare our state for the future.

The full text of the Governor’s Charge to the task force is attached.

Miller and Tim Rogers, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority, will serve as co-chairs to T-LINK, which will convene its first meeting on August 27. 

“The nation is at a transitional point in regard to transportation policy and it is crucial that Kansas be in a position to take advantage of changes that are coming.  The course we chart must reflect today’s realities but prepare us for the future,” Miller said. “We have assembled a team of leaders who are positive about the task, enthusiastic and eager to begin work.”

T-LINK Members include:

Tim Rogers, Chair, Salina Airport Authority, Salina

Secretary Deb Miller, Chair, Department of Transportation, Topeka

Fred Bailey, Bailey Truck Line, Abilene

Gary Beachner, Beachner Grain, St. Paul

Mary Birch, Lathrop and Gage, Overland Park

Joan Brabec, Twin Valley Developmental Services, Inc., Greenleaf

Commissioner Shelly Buhler, Shawnee County, Topeka

Ed DeSoignie, Heavy Contractors Association, Kansas City          

Allie Devine, Kansas Livestock Association, Topeka

Commissioner Pat Hageman, Rooks County, Natoma

Bernie Hayen, City of Manhattan, Manhattan

Brenda Herrman, City of Hays, Hays

Bart Hildreth, Wichita State University, Wichita

Jan Huston, Highway Advisory Commission, Americus

Roger Kaminska, Operating Engineers Local 101, Kansas City

Mike Kelley, YRC Worldwide, Kansas City

Don Linville, Garden City Chamber, Garden City

Richard Lopez, SER-Jobs for Progress, Wichita

Dean Mann, Citizens Bank, Fort Scott

Scott Moore, City of Wichita, Wichita

Bill Pickert, BKD, Wichita                   

Mayor Joe Reardon, Unified Govt. Wyandotte County, Kansas City

Randall Riggs, City of Newton, Newton

Bob Totten, Kansas Contractors Association, Topeka

Pat Weaver, KU Transportation Center, Lawrence

Jane Westerman, Cargill, Dodge City

Ex-Officio Members

Secretary David Kerr, Department of Commerce, Topeka

Secretary Joan Wagnon, Department of Revenue, Topeka

Michael Johnston, Kansas Turnpike Authority, Wichita                   

Steve Weatherford, Kansas Development Finance Authority, Topeka

Kansas has enjoyed twenty years of success in transportation because of legislators from both parties from across the state working together.  Following this approach, legislative leadership from both parties will be asked to appoint the appropriate legislators to serve as task force members.  Once confirmed, the names of these legislators will be made available.

More information about T-LINK can be found at www.kansastlink.com