24 Oct 2004 [EXPIRED]: Lone Elm, Olathe, KS (again)

[UPDATE 3 Nov 2004: Several advocates from the Johnson County Bicycle Club and the Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation attended the Olathe City Council meeting and the Enhancements recommendations including the project with bike lanes for the Lone Elm Interchange was passed without incident. Now there is more work to be done; see the current Advocacy Alert for details.]

From the Johnson County Bicycle Club, regarding the Lone Elm Interchange in Olathe, KS:
It would be good to have a supporters for Lone Elm Road Bicycle Lanes in the audience again at the Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, 7:00 PM Olathe Council meeting to make sure Council stays true to their stated intention in the face of a group of respectful, genuine citizens.

Why? At least one Council member indicated a concern if Olathe submits a third project that essentially competes with its other two projects for the limited Enhancement Funding, it may jeopardize one or both of those project successes. This is a very legitimate concern as the pot of federal funds is limited. Typically twice as much Enhancement funding is requested as is available in KS. We need a presence to stand behind the request in case it's merits are discussed again.

Background: Council's greatest concern is receiving funding on the Santa Fe Streetscape project, an even more time sensitive project. It is currently in final design and planned for construction in Summer 2005, but would be delayed 6 months to coincide with the 2006 federal fiscal year, if it is awarded funding. The other project, Westview Trail, is a stand alone project that can be done at any time. Since Lone Elm Road/Interchange is also time sensitive (2004/5 design and 2007/8 construction) timing is also critical for it to receive funding. If the issue of competing against one's own projects for funding is brought up at the Tuesday, Nov. 2 Council meeting, it would be good if citizen supporters could remind Council of the timelines and urgency of Lone Elm Road, as well as the importance this route is for the future of on-road bicycling in Olathe.

Policy Issue: Staff is in the early stages of preparing a bicycle transportation plan. It is scheduled to be completed in early 2005. It is too early to tell what that plan will recommend. It is this plan that Council is waiting on to determine what Olathe's future policy regarding bicycle transportation and on-road bicycling will be. It will and should be very carefully evaluated for its costs, right-of-way implications and affect on citywide transportation.

Action: We cannot assume anything will happen as we want it to when politics is involved. We have to be ready to speak our mind at every opportunity. The next opportunity in Olathe, is Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7:00 PM, Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe. If enough of bicyclists are present, they may not bring up the issue, which will still achieve our desired results.

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