City awarded $9,649,315 in state and federal stimulus funding for local projects
The City of Lawrence is seeking to fully utilize the benefits of the federally enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The city is using the funds to improve city infrastructure, fund community development programs that benefit community residents, provide new technology for the Lawrence Police Department, expand energy efficiency and conservation programs, and upgrade the local transit system. Below is a listing of current projects that have received funding. The city will continue to submit additional grants for ARRA funding and will announce project and funding awards when they are received. Visit www.lawrenceks.org for more information.
| Second and Locust Street Reconstruction |
Project received $2 million in ARRA funding and $1 million from KDOT Surface Transportation Program. |
|
New York Street Brick Street Restoration |
Restoration project received $946,827.75 through KDOT grant, project is 100% funded by grant. |
|
Clinton Parkway Pedestrian/Bicycle Path Reconstruction |
Reconstruction project awarded $800,750 through KDOT, project is 100% funded by grant. |
|
Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant |
$858,600 grant will be used to fund a Sustainability Coordinator for both the city and county, HVAC and lighting upgrades at the Lawrence Public Library and LED street lights on Massachusetts. |
|
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant |
$278,240 grant used for the purchase of handheld and digital radios for the Lawrence Police Department. |
|
Community Development Block Grant – Recovery Act Funds |
$216,798 grant will be used to provide additional assistance to local non-profit agencies already receiving CDBG funding. |
|
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Grant – KHRC |
$648,000 grant awarded to city to provide funds to re-house families who are homeless or prevent families from becoming homeless. Funding only available to Douglas County residents. |
|
Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Grant & KDOT Transit Grant |
$2.9 million grant will provide for the purchase of six hybrid or biodiesel transit buses. |
|
KDHE Clean Diesel Grant |
$26,800 grant will be used to retrofit some municipal vehicles to reduce diesel emissions. |
Christmas treecycling available to residents
‘Tis almost the season to recycle your old Christmas tree. After Christmas, please place your live-cut tree at the curb or alley for collection. The trees will be used for wildlife habitat. Please remove all artificial items including tinsel, lights, and tree stand. Have your tree set out at the curb by 6:00 a.m.
Collection days: Monday, December 28, Monday, January 4 and Monday, January 11
For more information on yard waste or treecycling, please call the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
Residents asked to keep sidewalks clear during snow season
What is the property owner’s responsibility?
According to the city’s snow ordinance (No. 8324), Lawrence property owners must keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice within 48 hours of a winter storm.
The city’s snow ordinance was revised last year to strengthen the policy related to property owner responsibilities. Property owners are required to remove snow and ice within 48 hours of the end of a snowfall or ice accumulations. This ordinance applies to all public sidewalks in the city limits.
What are the consequences of not clearing your sidewalks?
If property owners fail to comply with the ordinance, a citation will be written. Citations are assessed a fine of $20 for each day the violation occurs, plus court costs, if found guilty of the violation.
This ordinance is in place to make public sidewalks safe for pedestrians. The city appreciates the support of our citizens and looks forward to a safe winter season
For more information on the snow and ice removal ordinance, contact Development Services at (785) 832-7700 or visit www.lawrenceks.org.
Are you able to help others in your community that need help keeping their sidewalks clean?
Able bodied Lawrence residents with a flair for helping others and an enjoyment of winter weather are needed to volunteer for the Safe Winter Walkways program. The City of Lawrence has joined with Douglas County Senior Services to match residents needing assistance with snow removal and volunteers who want to do a neighborly good deed.
This year, online registration allows volunteers to be assigned a match before the first snow event of the season. Volunteers will be asked to commit to the entire winter season and visit his or her matched home each time snow falls.
“This program is an excellent resource for members of our community who physically can’t keep their sidewalks clear during snow events,” said Megan Gilliland, communications manager for the city. “This program is a structured version of what has happened in neighborhoods for many years, neighbors helping neighbors. With volunteers, we can make certain that the neighbors can count on a volunteer to be there if snow needs to be removed.”
Volunteers can sign up by calling (785) 832-3338 or register online at www.lawrenceks.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a street light out?
Call Westar Energy at (800) 383-1183. The city pays Westar Energy to maintain and repair street lights.
How do I report a pothole in need of repair?
Residents can report potholes to the Pothole Reporting Hotline at (785) 832-3456 or use the city’s pothole report form online for convenient reporting. Go to www.lawrenceks.org/request-services for a complete listing of online request forms.
Where can I learn about city cancellations due to weather?
Lawrence Transit provides bus service changes online at www.lawrencetransit.org. To sign up for e-routes e-mail notification visit: www.lawrenceks.org.
For cancellations and schedule changes for classes and programs hosted through the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department call (785) 832-7999.
For information regarding the City Commission or other city-related meetings, please visit www.lawrenceks.org
Lawrence Holiday Happenings
December 12: Santa Claus is coming to town! Join the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, December 12th for the annual Breakfast with Santa. All ages are welcome. The event will be held at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th Street from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast will feature pancakes, sausage and orange juice. Kids are invited to create fun holiday crafts. The cost is $7 per child, $9 for adults. Pre-registration is encouraged.
December 19: Need some time to finish that last minute shopping? Your kids can attend the Kids’ Night Out: Santa Splash at the Indoor Aquatic Center. Cost is $15 per person, ages 5-12. The event will be held from 12-4 p.m. Call 832-SWIM for more information.
December 28, 29, 30 & 31: Holiday Happenings – come join in the fun! Activities will include arts and crafts, games, sports and field trips. Activities will take place at the Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th Street. Available to all ages, Holiday Happenings is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per participant for all four days.
December 31: New Year’s Eve Overnighter available for all ages at the Holcom Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th Street. Event will be held from 8:00 p.m. on December 31st to 8:00 a.m. on January 1st. Cost is $30 per participant.