McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County Public Works Director David Bohnenblust gave County Commissioners an update on current projects at Monday’s meeting. There are still two-lane miles of paving left to do on 27th Avenue between Canton and Roxbury, along with various shoulder work. Milling work has been completed on Main Street in Galva and paving began last Thursday.
On the bridge project west of Marquette, the foundation was poured and rail tank car placed last week with flowable fill now being put in place. Related to that project, Commissioners gave formal approval for the purchase of 35 concrete blocks for retaining wall work, at a cost of $4,375. Commissioners had verbally approved this purchase earlier.
Commissioners also gave approval to proceed with replacement of a pipe that had washed out on Shawnee Road west of 10th Avenue. Temporary repairs have been made, and Commissioners authorized spending up to around $30,000 for the replacement, to be done by county crews.
Bohnenblust also reported one of the flashing red lights on a stop sign at Old 81 Highway and Arrowhead Road west of Moundridge was shot at over the weekend. While that light is still functional, if any rain gets into it the light will probably short out. A replacement is to be installed.
Commissioners gave approval for use of staff time in pursuit of a Safe Streets for All grant the county has been working on in conjunction with cities in the county. Staff Engineer Elizabeth Hopp explains this funding would allow creation of an action plan for projects that each city has submitted.
Hopp said the goal of the action plan is to drive to zero deaths or serious injuries. “We’re looking at anything we can d to change to make roadways safer. Some of its educational, some of it can be policy change, some of it is real projects outside that can improve safety, “she explained.
The implementation part of this program can’t be applied for until this plan is complete. Even if implementation funding is not awarded through this program, Hopp said this would give the cities the information needed to seek other funding options.
The Commission approved 2025 updates for the county’s solid waste management plan along with a regional plan. The only change to the county’s plan was an update to reflect current recycling activity. McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility general manager John Hawk said McPherson County’s recycling rates averages between 35 and 40 percent, compared to a statewide average of around 25 percent
HAWK
The only other change to the Regional Plan is for Harvey Country which is expanding their construction and demolition site.
