The City of Lawrence has identified the Lawrence Loop as one of two city projects that would benefit from a targeted funding strategy in a new report. The City is working with TFG/The Ferguson Group to develop a grant writing strategy.  TFG presented it’s Federal Funding Needs Assessment report at the June 21 City Commission meeting.

The report describes federal funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Biden in November 2021 in addition to other federal, state, and foundation grants. The report highlights Lawrence Loop construction projects as a high priority for the city (a “5” on a 1-5 scale with 1 being low and 5 being high) and for alignment with federal grant programs (also “5” on a 1-5 scale).

The report specifically recognizes the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for multimodal transportation infrastructure projects as a potential funding source. DOT is not currently accepting RAISE applications, but another round of funding is anticipated. The minimum award for RAISE grants is normally $5 million, which would likely require combining multiple Lawrence Loop construction projects or including a project like Kaw River Commons-Phase A, which is currently under consideration as part of the city’s 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). See FLAT’s CIP article for more information about possible trail construction projects.