Business View Civil & Municipal - May 2023

121 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 AUGUSTA , KANSAS “Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen local business owners and the city being more active in pursuing grant opportunities to fund the restoration of these buildings, updating and rehabilitating them,” says Shaw. The bowling alley in the downtown district is also taking the same journey, sourcing old- style equipment to ensure that it is historically accurate. This restorative element is a focus of the city, and management wants to ensure that they don’t create museum pieces but rather establishments that preserve a way of life. “The City of Augusta is working on regulatory changes that focus on core elements, staying true to the property’s aesthetic, but not going so far that business owners can’t breathe. It’s better to preserve these spaces with life,” says Shaw. Taking a more flexible approach, the city is allowing owners with historical building facades to ensure that they meet the spirit or intent of the elements rather than just choosing a single color and design. Augusta is in the planning stages for and actively working on infrastructure projects worth $65 million. The city worked aggressively to secure these grants and funding. In the last few years, the city has secured roughly $21 million in grants for the community. This capital is for transportation, infrastructure projects, and more. The funding is going to several projects. One grant was for the aforementioned Red Bud Rail Trail Project. The trail requires two major infrastructure projects to be completed; two bridges to connect the trail, one over a highway and the other over a river. These bridges require funding of around $9 million. The bridge over the highway has $3.3 million secured in funding already. The city is working through submittals to secure funding for the second bridge, which the city is committed to starting in 2024. ButlerCC.edu One-Year Certificates and Certifications Online Courses & Degrees • Customized Corporate Training Registered Apprenticeships • Microcredentials Technical Trade Assistance (TAA) Funding Whether you need retraining and a quick entrance back into the workforce, or decide now’s the time to pursue that degree you’ve always wanted, Butler is here to support you.