By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
An interchange on Interstate-70 at Taylor Road on the southwest edge of Junction City has been approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) , but the final decision to build the interchange is still pending. The topic will be on the city commission meeting agenda Tuesday night for discussion.
According to a City agenda packet one of the issues would involve development of the local infrastructure to make the area a vital economic resource. There is an estimate prepared for a previous grant application that includes all costs including those of KDOT and costs of long range improvements to the area. That combined total was approximately $41.2 million. City staff noted that a water tower at I-70 and Taylor Road estimated at about $3.1 million, may not be needed at the present but may be in the future.
The staff recommendation said that this is part of the discussion to pursue the project of an interchange if the community so desires. Though it is hard to say, the opportunity for an interchange may not be available for many years if not completed at this time.
No final action has been taken on this project.
The city commission meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 701 North Jefferson.