By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City Commissioner Richard Pinaire believes the suggested Taylor Road Interchange project off of I-70 on the southwest edge of the city should go to a vote of the public. Put it on the ballot. Commissioner Al Gordon said he likes the idea and would not be opposed to that idea.
The commissioners expressed their views during a discussion on the project last week. The estimated cost of the Interchange and related nearby street upgrades would be approximately $41 million with local match providing about $15 million and KDOT the remainder.
"If city staff wants to put together a plan with the EDC and county that's all well and good, " said Pinaire. But he added that it should be put on the ballot and then the forces of each side, in favor and against, can debate it.
The consensus of the overall city commission was for staff to prepare more of a plan, a breakdown, including how the local match would be paid for the project and potential use.
During earlier discussion City Manager Allen Dinkel noted that there will have to be discussion on how the City moves ahead with KDOT. The Kansas Department of Transportation doesn't want to build an interchange without local infrastructure. But the City doesn't want to build the infrastructure ( roads - streets ) without an interchange. He also noted the difficulty of trying to market anything out there right now.
Dinkel pointed to the challenge of getting a company excited when perhaps in five years you might have an interchange. Business plans could change during that time. Dinkel added that there are three parts to the issue and all three would have to happen.
One part of the project, if it's undertaken, is that it could result in connecting the interchange and road improvements as a route from I-70 to near Junction City High School.
( Cover photo - Pixabay )