CHAPTER THREE Transportation, Utilities, and Public Services This chapter begins by examining all modes of surface transportation that are currently provided in Shawnee County. Next, it investigates individual utilities, including: water, wastewater, storm water management, solid waste, and information technology. The chapter concludes by looking into other public services as well, such as fire protection and public schools.
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INTRODUCTION growth and development in the ETJ. This includes Focus groups and public meetings reinforced alignment in utilities provided in whole or in part by resident’s positive attitudes towards most county the City of Topeka such as water and wastewater. services, especially roads and the new work being • There is a lack of pedestrian and bicycle done on bridges. However, attendees noted that Transportation facilities in the unincorporated area. However, service providers needed better communication, A balanced transportation network that Shawnee County recently adopted a complete transparency, and coordination. Planning accommodates the needs of all users is key to a streets policy for county roads. Plus, a portion infrastructure like roads, sewer, gas, water, and high quality of life, economic development, and of the countywide half cent sales tax has been internet; encouraging discussions between service social equity within any community. A balanced dedicated to complete street projects and the trail providers; and adequate site planning were mentioned system. transportation network includes trails, pedestrian and as ways to provide certainty to developers, to allow bicycle facilities, public transit, and roadways that are • Topeka Metro Transit Authority bus routes do not more cost-effective service provision, and to improve designed for the safety and comfort of the people extend into unincorporated Shawnee County. service quality. Ensuring quality through building using those facilities. County residents could benefit from specific codes was also noted for preventing issues such as routes being extended to connect with major incorrectly installed sewer systems or water retention employers. Utilities and drainage issues as are seen at South Point Bay. Similarly, school districts were discussed as potential The provision of basic services, such as water, county partners by working to identify expected wastewater, storm water, solid waste and PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS development and growth areas and how that may telecommunications, are necessary for land impact districts. On the consumer side, educating new development at urban densities or near urban Survey participants completed a “report card” rural residents on what services they could expect was densities. The need to plan for the extension of these questionnaire in which they were asked to rank also mentioned as important to create expectation for services to new growth areas is one of the primary various transportation and infrastructure issues services, development, costs. reasons for comprehensive planning. and opportunities on a one-to-five scale, with five representing “excellent” and one representing “poor.” Other Public Facilities Attributes with average scores of 3.0 or above are High quality public schools and fire protection are perceived strengths and those with scores below needed to support any community. The location 2.5 represent areas of perceived weaknesses. These of the facilities that provide these services in the results were then explored through stakeholder unincorporated area can significantly impact land use meetings. The following highlights important strengths decisions. and weaknesses regarding transportation and infrastructure. Key Challenges Most services in the county are viewed as strengths. • There are 51 taxing jurisdictions that provide These include rural water and electric distribution, transportation, utilities and public facilities in public safety systems, access to highways, and the Shawnee County. Coordination of services offered condition of state, county, and township maintained by these jurisdictions is critical for Shawnee roads. Mobile phone service also received a positive County to accomplish its long-range goals. rating. Only two types of transportation scored below • Topeka and Shawnee County share a 2.5 rating: bicycle and pedestrian facilities and responsibilities for development inside the 3-mile mobility in the county. Residents also saw services extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) surrounding the for seniors, high speed internet services, and general City of Topeka. It is important for there to be road maintenance to be relatively weaker, though not political alignment in how best to approach future necessarily as negative.
44 SHAWNEE COUNTY | 2037 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Transportation and Infrastructure (1 being poor and 5 being excellent) FIGURE 3.1: Questionnaire Responses: Transportation Figure 3.2: and Infrastructure (1 being Poor and 5 being Excellent)
AVERAGE SURVEY RESPONSE RATINGS RATING
Rural Water Distribution 3.64 Rural Electric Distribution 3.64 Public Safety Systems (Sheriff and Fire) 3.63 Access to Interstate 70 3.46 Medical Services 3.35 Condition of State Highways 3.27 Mobile Phone Services 3.23 Access to Interstate 335 (The Turnpike) 3.15 Condition of Township Roads 3.11
Regional Road and Transportation Networks 3.10
Conditions of County Roads 3.09 Services for Seniors 2.83 High Speed Internet Services 2.73 Road Maintenance 2.62 Sidewalks and Pedestrian Mobility 2.35 Bicycle Facilities on County Roads And Non- 2.28 Interstate Highways
Source: RDG Community Questionnaire
Source: RDG Community Questionnaire
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ROADWAYS County north-south. US Highway 40 crosses east- EXISTING CONDITIONS west, following Kansas Highway 4 (K-4), formerly Roads in Shawnee County are grouped by federal the Oregon Trail, south to I-70 on the eastern Shawnee County maintains the major roads functional classification for system design and edge of Topeka (K-4 continues east-west across throughout the county that are not state highways. planning, as characterized by speed of travel and the county). Topeka Boulevard, the only non- Typically, these roads cross through more than one access to adjacent properties as depicted in Figure 3.4: highway principal arterial, is north-south through township and connect to facilities owned by other • Interstates and Freeways. These roads connect Topeka. jurisdictions including the City of Topeka. Because cities and allow travel at high speeds with • Collectors. These roads connect major arterials Shawnee County cooperates with all 12 townships and limited access and separated lanes. In Shawnee to allow travel between parts the county for trips the five cities in the County, it plays a central role in County, I-70 travels east-west with I-470 forming of moderate length. They include frequently planning for transportation. a southern beltway around Topeka. I-335 cuts travelled roads linking rural communities southwest from I-470 as part of the Kansas and residential subdivisions to arterials and In addition to transportation facilities, Shawnee Turnpike, a self-supporting toll road owned and Topeka, though they have lower traffic volumes. County oversees construction and regulates on- maintained by the Kansas Turnpike Authority Sometimes, they provide access to agricultural (KTA). I-70 has 18 exits in Shawnee County (6 in site wastewater systems. The County also owns areas, farmsteads, and individual developed unincorporated areas and 12 in Topeka). I-470 has the Sherwood wastewater treatment plant and its areas. They frequently aggregate traffic along 10 exits (all in Topeka). I-335 has two toll plazas section lines, topography permitting, and route it collection system, though it is managed by the City at I-70/I-470 and I-470/US-75 (in east and south toward centers of activity and circulation. of Topeka. In both cases, wastewater collection and Topeka). treatment have a major cost and affect the density • Local Roads. These roads provide access to • Arterials. These roads connect major activity of development. Also, environmental effects from individual properties and sites in the county and centers and allow long distance travel at high typically experience the lowest traffic volumes. wastewater treatment are countywide, extending speeds with minimal interference. US Highway 24 Two townships, Soldier and Mission, have beyond property lines or the nearest stream. Though crosses east-west across Shawnee County north predominantly paved roads while most others are the County doesn’t provide water service, water of the river. US Highway 75 crosses Shawnee gravel. supply impacts the county, including fire service.
This section explores these aspects of Shawnee County and evaluates its transportation facilities along with other existing conditions for infrastructure and public services. Roads and Bridges FIGURE 3.3: Mileage and Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled by Functional Classification RURAL URBAN TOTAL Shawnee County has a well-connected network of primary roads encompassing 556 square miles. For MILEAGE DVMT MILEAGE DVMT MILEAGE DVMT the most part, the road network is laid out on the original surveyor’s grid, with roads spaced at 1-mile Interstates & Freeways 24.8 449,342 58.6 1,451,611 83.4 1,900,953 intervals, though there are gaps in the network due Arterials 25.4 114,241 176.3 1,495,190 201.7 1,609,431 to the county’s topography and hydrology. Roads on Collectors 203.5 156,014 156.4 335,999 359.9 492,013 the grid are named with numbers for east-west routes Local Roads 508.4 59,443 816.1 403,976 1,324.5 463,419 and otherwise for north-south routes. The county’s Total 762.1 779,040 1207.4 3,686,776 1,969.5 4,465,816 transportation infrastructure, for all jurisdictions, consists of 554 bridges and about 1,970 miles of road. Source: Kansas Department of Transportation
46 46th Topeka
6th Seward
10th 12th Huntoon US 40
Lane 17th
21st
Urish
Gage
Kansas
29th 29th
Adams
California 37th
Croco 41st Wanamaker e
m a 45th 45th g n i Shawnee County Auburn l r u Comprehensive Plan B
Functional Classification 61st Topeka Interstate Highway Highway Arterial Collector Minor Collector Local
01 2 4 Miles ±
SNCO GIS
Figure 3.4: Functional Classification
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MAINTENANCE called “structurally deficient” does not imply that According to Futures 2040, the Topeka metro’s the bridge is likely to collapse or is unsafe. A regional transportation plan, 6.3 percent of county- Approximately 59 percent of roads in Shawnee County “deficient” bridge typically requires maintenance maintained bridges are in poor condition. This is are in unincorporated areas, built to a mix of both or repair and eventual rehabilitation or a higher percentage of bridges in poor condition urban and rural standards. The Kansas Department of replacement to address deficiencies. compared to those maintained by Topeka, KDOT, and Transportation (KDOT) and Kansas Turnpike Authority • Functionally Obsolete: A bridge was built to KTA. (KTA) together maintain the 83 miles of state highways standards not used today. That includes bridges and interstate. The County is responsible for 341 which do not meet current standards for lane In addition, 11.8 percent are structurally deficient or miles of primarily arterial and collector streets, most widths, shoulder widths, or vertical clearances functionally obsolete. This is better than other bridge- of which are paved. Townships and the Sherwood to serve traffic demand, or those that may be maintaining jurisdictions in the county. This is likely Improvement District are responsible for another 810 occasionally flooded. These bridges are not due to the County actively improving deficient bridges. miles, some of which are considered “urban” in nature. automatically rated as structurally deficient, nor This is important as bridges in Shawnee County need Notably, some townships, like Grove and Monmouth, are they inherently unsafe. to be able to carry farming equipment, trucks, and contract out maintenance to the county. Most • Not Deficient: Means that a bridge meets current school buses. township roads remain unpaved with exceptions in safety standards. Soldier and Mission Townships where the high amount of development supports paved roads. Figure 3.5: Bridge Condition by Responsibility For the most part, roads in unincorporated county are maintained at an acceptable level with townships responsible for most roadway mileage. For county roads, the county periodically surveys roads and when a road segment falls below a good rating, an action is programmed. Roads more heavily traveled and in more populated areas tend to have more paved roads. Roads in less populated areas, especially in the west, have more gravel roads. Roadway infrastructure can deteriorate rapidly if not properly maintained. Replacement and major rehabilitation costs are significant budget items for the Townships and County. Primarily non-local roads are eligible for federal funds; Figure 3.6: Bridge Deficiency by Responsibility other roads rely exclusively on the local tax base.
BRIDGES Shawnee County is responsible for maintaining 254 bridges. They are regularly inspected for maintenance needs, capacity and load capability, and capital improvement budgeting. Based on this evaluation, bridges are assigned condition and sufficiency ratings. Sufficiency is defined as follows: • Structurally Deficient: Elements of the bridge need to be monitored and/or repaired. Being Source: Kansas Department of Transportation
48 Figure 3.7: Road Responsibility
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ROADWAY CONGESTION From 2006 to 2015, Shawnee County, excluding Few areas in unincorporated Shawnee County Topeka, has seen the number of crashes, injuries, and have sidewalks. Most are scattered in platted Traffic in unincorporated Shawnee County moves serious injuries fall. The number of fatalities shows subdivisions near Topeka. But, some major roads smoothly. Most of the focus on the roadways system a slight average increase, though the numbers are also have sidepaths and sufficient sidewalks to allow centers near Topeka where there has been greater still low. Bicycle and Pedestrian crashes appear to be safe bicycling and walking. For example, Urish has development interest. However, most improvements increasing, though they also remain very low. sidewalks from 29th to 33rd and Wanamaker has currently scheduled maximize safety and flow by sidewalks extending from Topeka to Washburn Rural adding turn lanes, rather than adding capacity. Active Transportation High School. These arterial sidewalks are currently part of a cohesive sidewalk network unlike those in SAFETY Shawnee County has several nice trail facilities for subdivisions. There is much importance placed on the need to pedestrians and bicyclists to use. The Landon Nature Trail extends southeast from Topeka across more than continually improve roadway safety. Potential safety Shawnee County supports active transportation 8 miles of the County. There are also trails in several enhancements often include vehicle mechanical and through efforts like their Complete Streets policy and parks in the County, including one around Lake technological improvements, roadway geometric with a portion of the countywide half cent sales tax. Shawnee. improvements, intersection control improvements, Shawnee County encourages roads to be designed reduction in motorist distractions, and efforts to for all users, including motorists, bicyclists, and increase driver awareness to reduce the number of pedestrians. Shawnee County Code also requires motor vehicle related crashes and related deaths. sidewalks in new subdivisions, so as those are built, additional sidewalks will also be constructed. However, this process will still require significant time FIGURE 3.8: Automobile Safety in Shawnee County (Excluding Topeka) for the network to become well-connected and it does not address areas that were built without sidewalks. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Overall, the County is making progress, but many pedestrians are underserved, even in denser areas of Crashes 922 1,094 909 915 820 822 758 815 883 809 the county such as Soldier Township, Lake Sherwood, Injuries 247 220 178 189 168 165 154 147 191 165 or Lake Shawnee. Serious Injuries 22 32 15 27 32 21 22 16 26 18 Fatalities 8 4 8 8 10 4 9 7 9 6 Because unincorporated Shawnee County is more developed than most counties, efforts should be Source: Kansas Department of Transportation made to connect activity generators including densely developed areas, schools, and employment centers through sidewalks, sidepaths, or trails. While not every FIGURE 3.9: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety in Shawnee County (Excluding Topeka) area needs sidewalks, circulation for pedestrians and bicyclists should be considered as recreational 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 amenities and as alternative forms of transportation. It would also allow more children to walk to rural school Ped. Injuries 1 4 1 1 3 2 0 1 3 4 districts when they live nearby. There is also strong Bike Injuries 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 potential for a future regional trail network to connect the county to Topeka while taking advantage of the Ped. Fatalities 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 county’s river and historic trails. Improvement can also Bike Fatalities 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 be made by adding sidewalks as roads are upgraded Source: Kansas Department of Transportation to higher standards.
50 Figure 3.10: Existing Active Transportation Infrastructure
Source: Topeka Metropolitan Planning Organization
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Transit Figure 3.11: TMTA Transit System Coverage Currently, the Topeka Metro Transit Authority (TMTA) provides transit service within the city limits of Topeka. However, several key employment centers are just outside Topeka. TMTA has considered extending transit to these employment centers, or to neighborhoods like Montara. TMTA is currently exploring options for funding services to these areas.
TMTA has also discussed establishing new routes to connect Topeka to other regional cities such as Lawrence, Manhattan, or Emporia. If a regional route was established connecting Topeka with Manhattan, it might be possible to have stops in Silver Lake and Rossville. These efforts provide an opportunity for Shawnee County to join the conversation and determine the feasibility of working with employers and TMTA to get employees to work.
Source: Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority
52 SHAWNEE COUNTY | 2037 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Commuting Figure 3.12: Commuters Entering or Exiting Shawnee County Commuting patterns indicate how people travel to jobs. The following graphic shows the number of commuters between Topeka, Shawnee County, and areas outside of Shawnee County. Arrows indicate general flows but not direction. 23,186 workers Shawnee County Outside Topeka reside in Shawnee County but outside Topeka. Two thirds (15,145) of them work within Topeka City limits, 4,410 4,921 and another fifth (4,921) commute outside Shawnee 3,120
County. Only 13 percent (3,120) work within the county Shawnee County Exiting Commuters outside Topeka.
As for Topeka residents, 4,364 work in the county and another 11,835 work outside Shawnee County. However, most Topekans (35,648) work in Topeka, 15 , but they fill less than 44 percent of all jobs in the City. 145 Rather, many jobs are filled by the 31,061 workers who 4,364 commute into the county to work.
Commuters who enter and leave Shawnee County each work day come from all directions. Most commuters that work in Shawnee County but live 31,061 11,835 elsewhere travel from Douglas and Johnson Counties 35,648
to the east, Jackson and Jefferson Counties to the Commuters County Shawnee Entering north and northeast, and Osage County to the south. City of Topeka In addition, some 16,756 workers reside in Shawnee County but work in a different county. Of those, most travel east toward Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and also toJackson County, MO. Two lesser patterns include workers traveling northwest to jobs in Pottawatomie and Riley Counties and north/northeast to Jackson and Jefferson Source: US Census Bureau Counties.
The amount of people who live in unincorporated Shawnee County but commute into Topeka demonstrates the inherent and important tie between the City and the County. However, one third of jobs in the county are filled by people who live outside the county. This represents a large pool of potential Shawnee County residents.
53 DRAFT 09-01-2017 Kansas Railroad Map 2017 CHEYENNE RAWLINS !2 Cedar NORTON Bluffs PHILLIPS 4 ! 7 SMITH 2 JEWELL 2 Traer BNSF (UP/KYLE) ! 5 REPUBLIC 2 ! MARSHALL NEMAHA BROWN ! Reserve Herndon NKC KYLE Hollenberg Webber 12 4 Atwood ! ! UP 4 NKC 10 6 ! Padonia Ludell 7 UP ! 6 ! 6 ! Norton 2 5 ! " UP 10 Morrill Blakeman9 9 6 8 ! Hamlin 5 10 2 Beardsley7 ! ! 6 " ! ! 3 Lovewell Sabetha 8 " ! ! 6 Hiawatha St. Francis 7 McDonald Marysville UP ! 4 ! DONIPHAN Wheeler ! 8 Prairie View 8 4 ! Rydal Axtell NKC Bird City 1 15 5 7 Oneida " ! Smith Center KYLE 4 ! ! 4 1 3 ! Beattie ! ! Oronoque Phillipsburg ! 3 Mankato KYLE Scandia " ! Home " 8 Esbon 2 " Hanover Baileyville Otego Courtland ! BRR (UP) RAIL SERVICE !AIR SERVICE Lebanon 4 HerkimerFreight, Rail, and Air Service Dellvale 11 3 2 5 8 6 8 7 3 6 ! 6 Seneca 8 ! ! ! " 13 " ! 5 Belleville 8 Robinson ! ! ! 5 KYLE KYLE Shawnee County has long been a railroad center and Shawnee County is served by two public airports, Clayton " WASHINGTON TRUCK FLOWS Montrose Agra Kensington Athol Formoso 2 Carden 4 7 KYLE ! Schroyer ! at one time had four different railroad stations (UnionBaker Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes !Field) and! 6 Elwood 9 6 ! I-70 is the major freight highway in Shawnee County. 4 ! Pacific, Santa Fe, Missouri-Pacific, and Rock Island). Willis Phillip Billard Municipal Airport, five privateWathena airports, Jennings Kackley 5 8 It connects ten states over 2,153 miles from Cove ! 6 Norway Winifred Currently, the region has mainline track belonging to and at least three heliports. Shawnee County currently ! ! Fort, Utah to Baltimore, Maryland.! 4 I-70 passes through ! 4 Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe UP doesEverest not have commercial air service, though they are Dresden 3 SHERMAN 3 major cities including Denver,UP CO; Topeka, KS; Kansas ! 4 ! (BNSF), comprising about 94 miles of rail. UP operates attemptingHuron to reestablish it at the Topeka Regional DECATUR ! 16 City and St. Louis, MO;Frankfort Indianapolis, IN; Dayton and THOMAS 4 ! 3 8 a transcontinental corridor through the northeastern Airport. The largest airport nearby is the Kansas City Leoville Columbus, OH; Wheeling, WV;Sullivan and Hagerstown and ! 3 11 Yuma corner of the state with as many as 60 trains per day International5 Airport approximately 1 hour and 15 Selden SHERIDAN GRAHAM ! ! Frederick, MD. The western half of I-70, including Lancaster Atchison 1 ROOKS Jamestown 6 6 between Topeka and Kansas City. Shawnee County minutes away. 4 Shannon KYLE OSBORNE 5 " ! Topeka, is overwhelmingly rural excluding Denver. As ! 9 MITCHELL KYLE (UP) Rice also has an Amtrak line with a stop in Topeka. ! 6 " 3 ! 3 ! CLAY RILEY a result, it enjoys relatively high average truck4 speeds JACKSON 5 ! Scottsville Concordia Topeka Regional Airport2 is located south of Topeka Rexford 1 ! ! Huscher and does not experience many of traffic problems ATCHISON Colby Breton 7 4 KYLE 3 7 POTTAWATOMIE ! In the county, UP generally serves north of the river and east of Topeka Boulevard.UP The airport has two ! 3 Cawker ! 13 Goodland ! that slow trucks between Denver and Kansas City, 9 Gem Downs Glen 11 6 Osborne City Elder ! with two tracks: one through Topeka, Valencia, and runways: Runway 13-31 which is 12,802 feet in length 10 Gilbert ! UP KYLE ! " 12 KYLE (UP) including Topeka. Duluth 18 ! 8 5 Willard and another through Topeka and Menoken, and the crosswind runway, which is 7,000 feet in ! " 9 8 Levant 6 " " ! Aurora Onaga Kanorado ! 1 Brewster KYLE splitting to serve Grove towards Maryville and Silver length. The main runway can accommodate virtually ! ! 7 7 2 Altair Beloit Asherville I-70 plays a major role in moving freight across the 9 Edson KYLE (UP) K&O ± 4 3 ! Corinth ! Lake and Rossville towards Manhattan. The BNSF is any U.S. military or civilian aircraft. A full rangeKickapoo of Forney Simpson country. However, truck traffic volumes on I-70 are JEFFERSON ! 3 ! 5 south of the river, serving the southern industrial park, Fixed Base Operator and other services including fuel, significantly lower compared to parallel interstate 7 UP KYLE (UP)Glasco 9 Pauline, and Wakarusa towards Emporia. The UP rail maintenance, charter, flight instruction, air ambulance, 1 ! ! 9 ! Miltonvale facilities in Nebraska (I-80) and Oklahoma (I-40). Tipton 4 ! BNSF (UP/KYLE)4 yard is in North Topeka while the BNSF rail yard is next and freight services are available at Topeka Regional Freight projections through 2040 anticipate growthAikens 6 CLOUD to the passenger station. Rails serve most industrial Airport. Leavenworth 3 in the I-80 and I-40 corridors while I-70 is projected " Spica 9 ! 3 Emmett sites in the area including the grain elevators in North ! to slightly lower growth. I-70 west of Topeka is also LEAVENWORTH ! Delphos 2 Belvue Topeka and the industrial sites near Topeka Regional Ground transportation to and from Topeka Regional 6 Swamp Angel Wamego 9 Oak Hill not anticipated to see St.as George significant an increase in St. Marys 5 ! Hunter ! Airport. ActiveDelia lines can be seen in Figure 3.13. Airport is provided by way of South Topeka Boulevard UP WALLACE Oakley truck traffic as most of the growth in east-west freight ! 11 6 6 and the nearby Kansas Turnpike and US-75. Topeka 7 3 Wolcott LOGAN 4 6 4 ! " 9 LINCOLN movement is accommodated in the I-80 corridor. Rossville BeverlyHills ! ! 5 4 ! 2 Boulevard is the road that provides direct access to !3 Pomeroy Ash ! 7 ! 5 ! 18 UP Grinnell ! 6 UP Longford ! Silver Lake Page Campus ! ! Grove ! " Grove the airport. Near the airport, Topeka Boulevard is a WYANDOTTE! 3 10 ! 6 Grainfield 7 TREGO Ogden Within Topeka and Shawnee County, I-70 carries the U ! ! 9 City Park ELLIS P 5 e four-lane divided and is classified as a principle arterial 9 Winona RUSSELL 7 heaviest truckManhattan volumes. The highest truck volumes 8 ! WABAUNSEE ! street. It provides access to the terminal, civilian Kansas Denmark " 8 8 3 occur between I-470 and US-75 with over 6,200 heavy 6 "2 City ! Quinter5 WaKeeney DICKINSON ! Grantvill Lake of EdwardsvilleMuncie ! Bonner McAllaster 6 5 ! 3 ! 1 2 Newmanaviation areas, and the industrial areas via the airport’sSprings UP Minneapolis UP (BNSF) Perry the Forest 6 ! Goldenrod 9 ! Manchester 3commercial vehicles per day. Through downtown ! 4 ! 5 4 ! Voda Lincoln ! A ! 3 Williamstown 2 5 2 6 5 Willard ! local! street network. Currently, there is no transit Sharon K&O 4 Maple ! 11 9 ! 11 Collyer " ! 5 Topeka, over 4,400 trucks per day travel I-70; similar4 ! 4 4 ! ! 1 Lake 1 ! ! Valencia ! 4 7 Bennington 6 4 Hill service to the station. Should passenger service be Springs 8 GEARY ! Paxico Vera 2 3 Quivira Chapman ! Grover 4 Midland ! 2! " 4 ! truck volumes are seen on I-70 east and westMcFarland of 3 ! \! 6 Cold Spur ! Talmage 5 15 ! 12 Tecumseh provided,Lecompton transit! connections should Linwoodbe determined. Merriam UP ! Topeka Lenape Holliday 9 ! Lake View Ogallah Verdi " Topeka. The Kansas Turnpike (I-335)Alma south of Topeka ! 5 2 ! ! " Wallace 9 " Fall Leaf 11 6 6 ! Zarah 3 Junction City ! ! 2 ! 9 carries 1,570 commercial vehicles per8 day while 1,720 AMTRAK 4 10 5 4 UP 4 Niles 3 A ! Weskan ! KYLE (UP) ! 4 UP AMTRAK 3 ! 15 Pauline 3 OTTAWA ! trucks per day travel US-75 north of Topeka. ! " 5 De Soto ! Lenexa Ellis ! Russell Westfall 5 11 ! Hays Juniata Abilene UP ! ! 3 Hogback ! 8 4 Solomon Lawrence Eudora ! Lackmans Yocemento 5 4 UP Volland 6 4 ! Glendale ! 9 6 ! " 7 2 " " 5 ! 3 ! 7 1 ! Enterprise Balta ! ! BNS Hedville 5 Gorham UP (K&O) 8 Wakarusa ! ! 8 7 ! 7 ! " Olathe UP 6 6 Bunker Hill K&O Salina SHAWNEE BNSF (UP) Victoria Homer 6 9 Toulon ! ELLSWORTH ! CambriaNew ! Alta Vista JOHNSON ! 5 4 3 Kenneth
7 F MORRIS OSAGE 5 Dorrance ! 7 " ! ! 9 3 Bonita ! UP Dwight Rede Wilson ! Clare 3 ! 4 Active Rail Lines 4 Carbondale ! BNSF (UP) 9 Figure 3.13: GREELEY Navarre Gardner 3 3 UP ! Bavaria ! ! GOVE UP 7 White WICHITA ! SALINE 14 3 ! 5 Ocheltree ! Ellsworth 7 City 3 Scranton ! ! Stilwell SCOTT ! 7 7 2 8 3 Brookville Mentor ! ! Edgerton UP (BNSF)3 Black Wolf ! ! DOUGLAS 2 ! BurlingameFostoria 2 NESS " ! 54 6 ! Healy ! Carneiro Latimer 5 ! Bucyrus RUSH LYON 5 Spring 4 BARTON 4 Kanopolis 1 Hope 3 5 ! Wellsville Hill Manning Ranch ! 7 Herington ! 7 Le Loup ! ! Peterton ! ! Chiles 4 UP ! 2 3 Ottawa ! 7 Wagstaff Tribune ! 1 4 ! Osage 7 4 Leoti 2 ! 7 3 Hillsdale 4 6 K&O (UP) City ! ! " 8 ! 10 Scott City 3 ! ! 3 5 McCracken ! 3 5 ! 5 8 La Crosse MCPHERSON ! 5 Richter Walkinghood Astor K&O (UP) ! 23 Dighton Hargrave MARION 5 " ! Ramona Horace2 ! " 7 ! Pomona Osawatomie Paola Selkirk Coronado ! 5 6 Lost Springs ! Quenemo " Marienthal 7 K&O (UP) ! Barclay 8 12 MIAMI Whitelaw5 K&O (UP) " 2 ! " ! 5 6 FRANKLIN 6 Tractor ! ! 8 14 Grigston 3 ! 6 " 9 Ness City Bison Otis ! ! ! ! 5 7 K&O (UP) K&O Amy 5 Tampa 5 ! 4 6 Olmitz Boyd Hoisington Claflin ! ! ! UP (BNSF) Henson 7 8 8 2 7 5 6 6 8 ! 3 ! ! 7 3 4 Geneseo ! K&O Alamota ! ! Bushton Frederick ! ! 12 ! ! 1 CHASE Reading Melvern 11 ! " Alexander Nekoma 5 ! ! Timken Shaffer ! 7 Beeler K&O Laird 6 Rush ! 7 9 Lincolnville ! 6 Bazine Center Durham Shallow 5 UP 8 ! Albert 2 ! BNSF Olivet 4 Lang Water K&O ! Noble ! Fontana ! 2 Lane ! 4 Beagle ! 3
Heizer 2 Emporia Antelope 7 ! 8 Great Bend McPherson 4 BNSF (UP) ! 8 ! 2 BNSF 7 13 11 5 Silica 3 6 7 ! 6 " Lebo Chase 3 3 2 4 ! 7 ! Strong City 4 1 6 " 6 ! 7 Plymouth La ! ! Canton BNSF (UP) HAMILTON PAWNEE 8 5 Dartmouth ! ! " Galva ! ! ANDERSON ! 5 Ellinwood 5 1 Greeley ! Cygne 6 8 " 7 Elmdale Neosho KEARNY ! LANE 6 K&O 5 Marion Friend Lyons " Rapids 9 FINNEY ! ! ! Parker 6 Dundee 3 Clarendon Conway Garnett 5 K&O Elyria 6 HODGEMAN UP (BNSF) 6 ! ! ! 5 ! ! Grove Land Clements ! Goodrich Boicourt Pawnee Sterling ! 6 " Raymond ! 2 ! Gano 5 Aulne 1 Rock ! 2 8 17 5 ! Dunlay 7 ! Cedar Frizell 6 ! Tennis 3 5 Alden ! 8 ! Point 3 GCW ! ! 1 UP (BNSF) Inman Moundridge 9 ! ! 8 4 6 5 Florence ! Centerville Burdett Rozel ! 6 7 ! K&O ! 19 Mont 6 Sanford " Larned 3 6 5 ! 4 Ida Pleasanton 2 Gray 3 RICE K&O ! ! 2 2 UP ! 7 Wolf Lowe 4 Westphalia ! 6 RENO ! 3 Alfalfa ! Medora HARVEY 15 Matfield 2 Coolidge ! Hanston ! ! Hesston ! ! 5 6 Peabody Aliceville 8 AMTRAK! 3 Hamburg ! 7 Green ! Syracuse 6 Quincy Willowbrook 7 Selma ! ! 7 Zimmerdale 6
! 4 Medway 7 5 ! ! ! 3 7 6 5 Hutchinson ! 3 Walton " 6 GarfieldK&O Nickerson ! Prescott 7 6! 5 ! Le Roy Kincaid ! ! UP North ! 2 BNSF! Lakin 7 A Kent 3 !
17 4 2 2 Abbyville " 4 Serco Newton GREENWOOD 3 Mayline Deerfield Holcomb4 " 7 GRAY St. John A ! 2 Burrton ! Elbing LINN ! 2 Paxton COFFEY 2 ! 4 " 1 7 " Whiteside ! 2 BNSF (UP) Halstead ! BNSF Kendall 11 BNSF South ! 5 10 Newton Cassoday ! BNSF " 9 ! 3 ! ALLEN Mildred ! Fulton Garden 7 Hutchinson 4 3 5 BNSF ! 4 UP 4 ! 6 A 6 ! ! Kinsley 8 6 1 6 ! Vernon City 5 6 3 ! ! ! 4 Aikman 6 ! Dillwyn ! ! 8 Hartland Mansfield ! AMTRAK ! ! 8 BNSF ! Macksville ! 6 Plevna Partridge ! 4 5 Belpre 3 Putnam ! Lewis Stafford Sylvia Yoder 4 Hammond ! FORD " Zenith Whitewater Omar ! 7 7 5 6 ! Pierceville ! ! ! 16 6 4 UP (BNSF)4 Charleston ArdellBNSF 7 K&O Haven ! ! Moran 6 ! Offerle Cimarron ! ! 5 Sedgwick 7 ! ! Bellefont UP (BNSF) 3 UP Fort 6 Arlington 2 Mount ! Hope BNSF (SK & O) ! WOODSON Durland Ingalls 7 9 Spearville 9 ! 6 Furley Scott M & NA " ! 9
STAFFORD Langdon Valley 7 AMTRAK Dodge City El Dorado BOURBON 4 STANTON 6 4 " 11 ! PRATT 2 6 ! Center 7 2 BNSF (UP) GRANT 8 ! Humboldt Godfrey Wright Turon K&O 10 UP 8 " ! HASKELL " 6 ! 4 ! Kechi 3 2 6 ! ! Elsmore 2 ! ! 3 12 EDWARDS ! ! 3 Rose Pawnee ! 5 ! 5 6 2 Station !10 A Preston 4 Savonburg 9 ! 9 12 ! 6 Garland 7 ! Wilroads Andale 5 Benton Towanda 2 Johnson City ! Natrona KINGMAN 5 Maize Greenwich 3 Ulysses ! Colwich 4 CVR WILSON 2 ! ! 4 8 ! Ensign Buffalo Stark 10 Haggard SEDGWICK Wichita ! Roper 2 " 2 2 2 4 Kingman Murray Gill " ! 8 ! ! " 6 5 K&O 4 ! Chanute ! 2 2 2 Farlington CVR 8 Greensburg 6 ! ! 1 6 Augusta Sullivan 6 ! 6 8 6 Georgia ! ! ! 4 Bow ! " ! Arcadia Big Stano 5 ! Waldeck Cairo ! 9 Garden 3 5 Benedict Kimball ! ! Spur Montezuma ! ! 9 " 5 Murdock 6 7 CVR 5 ! 6 Hickok Cunningham 3 9 9 ! Cullison ! 6 4 Wellsford Calista ! 6 Manter 11 ! 6 " 5 Brenham Haviland Pratt Plain ! ! 4 Joy ! ! 1 Cheney Oaklawn ! 7 ! Copeland 3 ! 5 8 UP (BNSF) Mullinville 4 Lansdowne ! Sublette 7 ! 5 7 Earlton 7 ! UP BNSF Saunders ! 4 Bayneville 3 ! ! ! 7 Tice Clearwater Gordon ELK 9 Bucklin ! Cleveland ! 6 K&O ! Salter Fredonia " Erie 8 " Kingsdown Midland ParkDerby 1! 6 CVR 2 ! 5 UP Rose 7 8 2 5 ! ! 8 ! ! 3 Altoona MEADE 4 Basil ! Orsemus 5 7 Hill " ! 6 Buxton ! Girard Satanta 3 Bloom Coats ! 6 Haysville ! Douglass 4 3 " KCS 2 ! 6 ! Thayer 8 5 MORTON 6 ! Sawyer 4 UP Mulvane ! ! K&O ! 5 Norwich 4 3 Yale Minneola Belmont 3 ! BUTLER 8 SK & O (UP) 13 Beulah STEVENS BARBER 2 ! 2 12 K&O 10 Isabel 8 7 ! ! Peck 8 ! 6 3 ! ! 1 Frontenac ! SEWARD ! 2 3 2 3 7 Grand Summit ! 2 ! 4 Rago ! SK & O (UP) Cave 5 Spivey 3 ! Milton ! ! Rock Longton Nashville Zenda Millerton ! 4 Fowler K&O Neodesha ! KIOWA 8 Zyba Grenola Moline ! Pittsburg 6 ! BNSF Elk 7 3 Udall 6 Moscow 6 Falls 5 CVR 4 8 6 6 Meade COMANCHE ! ! Belle Cambridge Morehead NEOSHO 10 ! BNSF (UP) ! ! Conway Plaine 6 ! Burden ! 5 7 ! 4 SK & O 6 Colleno Missler Springs 5 5 8 ! MONTGOMERY 2 13 ! 2 ! Parsons CRAWFORD ! 8 ! 4 " ! 3 ! ! Akron SK & O (UP) Sycamore Cherokee ! 4 3 Medicine Lodge Cicero Oxford 8 ! Plains BNSF 4 16 ! 5! 9 6 7 4 6 Dale7 ! 5 20 4 "5 12 7 ! !! Scammon ! Harper 5 7 3 2 Cherryvale " 5 Danville 2 ! CHAUTAUQUA Lehunt 10 8 4 2 ! Kismet ! 7 ! ! ! 7 ! ! ! " ! 5 SK & O (UP) 8 ! 2 Argonia Sherwin ! Skidmore Feterita 7 Mayfield Labette 5 Hugoton Pixley Sharon Milan 9 2 CVR ! 4 V & S Attica BNSF " Independence UP ! ! Rolla Liberty 8 5 Stippville 7 " 6 Kellogg Winfield SK & O ! 4 7 Bolton 7 Oswego 6 9 ! Mound ! 10 ! Columbus 16 ! 6 Wayside Crisfield ! Rome UP Valley Altamont Elkhart UP (BNSF)Hayne Perth ! " 7 " Liberal 8 BNSF 4 ! 2 Hackney 12 ! ! SK & O 13 Galena 4 4 3 6 " ! UP 7 " BNGR ! 9 Corbin 4 Jefferson 8 ! ! 2
! 7 Hazelton 1 BNSF 7 ! Neutral 5 7 South Havana 6 ! 5 Dearing CLARK ! Haven ! Arkansas ! SK & O (UP) City 6 Coffeyville ! Chetopa Baxter Kiowa ! 3 ! ! 3 2 ! Caldwell 4 5 6 2 Springs Hunnewell 2 HARPER 3 1 CHEROKEE SUMNER 2 ! COWLEY ! Caney LABETTE
\! State Capital BNSF Railway 1237 miles Blue Rapids Railroad 10 miles South Kansas & Oklahoma 267 miles 0 5 10 20 Union Pacific 1535 miles 30 40 Boothill and Western Railway 10 miles V & S Railway 22 miles Present Day Railroad Station Miles " (County Seat) KYLE Railroad System 277 miles Cimarron Valley Railway 179 miles New Century Aircenter Railroad 5 miles KYLE Railroad System, Leased from UP 139 miles Garden City Western Railway 45 miles PREPARED BY THE ! Present Day Railroad Station Wichita Terminal Association 9 miles KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad 773 Miles Kansas City Southern 18 miles Kansas City Terminal Railway 33 miles BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, UP leased 111 Miles MAP CREATED THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 Missouri & Northern Arkansas 8 miles KDOT makes no warranties, guarantees, or representations for accuracy of this information A AMTRAK Station AMTRAK and assumes no liability for errors or ommissions. Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad 18 miles Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railway 62 miles Figure 3.14: Airport Operations Surfaces
Source: Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority
55 DRAFT 09-01-2017
Regional Transportation Planning Futures2040 identifies approximately $1.9 billion in transportation revenues and expenditures through The Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization 2040. Figure 3.14 summarizes the amounts covered by (MTPO) is required under federal law to prepare and that plan. More about Futures2040 may be found on adopt a regional transportation plan every five years. the MTPO website at: www.Topekampo.org. Much of Shawnee County is within the metropolitan planning area (Figure 3.15) for the MTPO. The regional transportation plan includes all modes of surface transportation (i.e., walking, biking, riding transit and driving cars/trucks). All projects proposed for federal funding or are regionally significant regardless of funding source must be included in the plan.
The most recent regional transportation plan, Futures2040, was adopted in 2017. Futures2040 makes several key policy recommendations. 1. Expand the MPA boundary to include all Shawnee County. 2. Preserve the existing roadway network. 3. Emphasize active modes of transportation.
FIGURE 3.15: Financially Constrained Expenses and Revenues ($1,000’s)
2017-2020 2021-2025 2026-2030 2031-2035 2036-2040 TOTAL
GRAND TOTAL REVENUES $300,484 $360,827 $464,575 $365,565 $384,416 $1,875,867
+ PREVIOUS PERIOD DIFFERENCE $79,244 $17,388 $31,240 $21,740
GRAND TOTAL PROPOSED $221,240 $422,684 $450,722 $375,066 $391,672 $1,861,383 EXPENDITURES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $79,244 $17,388 $31,240 $21,740 $14,484 $14,484 REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
Source: Futures2040 Regional Transportation Plan
56 ¤£75 VUK4
SHAWNEE COUNTY | 2037 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
46TH Figure 3.16: MPTO Planning Area
¤£24 35TH
¤£75
24 ¤£ ROCHESTER ¤£24
LOWER SILVER LAKE
GORDON TYLER Phillip MORSE ¤£75 Billard K4 £40 VUK4 VU ¤ Municipal K4 Airport VU SEWARD ¨¦§70 ¤£40 6TH ¨¦§70 70 ¨¦§ 10TH 12TH HUNTOON LANE BRANNER 6TH ¤£40
URISH 17TH
21ST 21ST 70 KANSAS ¨¦§
CROCO
WASHBURN 46TH ¤£75 FAIRLAWN GAGE VUK4 WANAMAKER KTA
TECUMSEH 29TH ¨¦§470 29TH ¨¦§470
ADAMS
CALIFORNIA
¤£24 35TH 37TH KTA
AUBURN 75 ¤£ 41ST 24 ¤£ ROCHESTER 45TH 45TH ¤£24 TOPEKA
LOWER SILVER LAKE BURLINGAME GORDON TYLER ¤£75 Phillip MORSE Billard 57TH VUK4 ¤£40 Municipal 335 VUK4 ¨¦§ Airport 61ST SEWARD ¨¦§70 ¤£40 6TH ¨¦§70 Topeka Regional 70 ¨¦§ 10TH Airport 12TH HUNTOON LANE BRANNER 6TH ¤£40
URISH 17TH
21ST 21ST 70 KANSAS ¨¦§
CROCO
WASHBURN ¤£75 FAIRLAWN GAGE VUK4 WANAMAKER KTA 29TH 470 TECUMSEH 29TH ¨¦§470 ¨¦§ ¤£75
ADAMS CALIFORNIA ¨¦§335
37TH KTA
AUBURN 41ST 45TH 45TH
TOPEKA Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA
BURLINGAME ¤£75 57TH ¨¦§335 Topeka Regional Transportation Plan 61ST Topeka Regional Plan Boundary Airport Railroad Lines Water Bodies Parks City Limits ± ¤£75 0 1 2 4 ¨¦§335 Miles Source: Futures2040 Regional Transportation Plan
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User57 Community, Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA DRAFT 09-01-2017
Topeka Regional Transportation Plan
Plan Boundary Railroad Lines Water Bodies Parks City Limits ± 0 1 2 4 Miles
Water Storm Water Drainage Drinking water in the county is supplied by the Cities The Storm drainage system is a network of structures, of Topeka, Silver Lake, and Rossville, along with channels and underground pipes that carry storm eleven rural water districts (RWD), many of which water (rain water) to ponds, lakes, streams and purchase water from the City of Topeka. Those that rivers. The network consists of both public and purchase their water from Topeka are required to private systems, and is designed to control the follow rules for development in accordance with City quantity, quality, timing and distribution of storm policy. The following water districts all have service runoff. But, Shawnee County does not have a areas that expand into Shawnee County: dedicated storm water management program, and • Consolidated RWD #1 assumes no responsibility for storm water drainage systems on private property. All storm water in the • Consolidated RWD #2 county eventually flows to the Wakarusa and Kansas • Consolidated RWD #3 Rivers. In counties, storm drainage tends to be of • Consolidated RWD #4 greater concern in exurban areas with open ditches and driveway pipes that are not maintained by the • Shawnee County RWD #8 property owner. Occasionally, properties that did • Jefferson County RWD #1 not go through the standard subdivision and platting • Jackson County RWD #1 process do not adequately handle storm water. • Douglas County RWD #3 • Pottawatomie County RWD #4 • Osage County RWD #5 • Osage County RWD #8
Many businesses and households also obtain water from individual wells. According to county appraiser’s CAMA data, at least 1,073 parcels have wells, serving some 1,934 residences. The City of Topeka also has extended water supply to parts of the County independent from the RWD. Typically, these are to areas that may be annexed in the future.
58 Figure 3.17: Water Districts and Infrastructure
Source: Shawnee County GIS Data
59 DRAFT 09-01-2017
Wastewater Electricity and Gas Wastewater in the county is collected and treated by Electricity in Shawnee County is provided cities, individual and joint lagoons, and private septic cooperatively by Westar Energy, the Kaw Valley systems. Most parcels in Shawnee County have sewer Electric Cooperative, and the Leavenworth-Jefferson publicly supplied, especially within incorporated City Electric cooperative. Starting in 2017, Kaw Valley boundaries. In unincorporated Shawnee County, and Leavenworth Jefferson consolidated to create public sewers are supplied through main line the FreeState Electric Cooperative. Gas in Shawnee extensions from the City when they are present. Major County is provided primarily by the Kansas Gas extensions near Topeka include an underutilized line Service with the City of Auburn serving a small area to the north in Soldier Township called the Half Day purchased from National Public Gas Agency. Gas is Creek interceptor sewer, one southwest to Washburn available near Topeka and around the Silver Lake and Rural High School, and one that extends west. While Rossville areas. However, it requires a critical mass of Topeka operates much of the sewer infrastructure, potential users to be extended. some of it is owned by the county. Lake Sherwood is also a separate sewer district. Solid Waste According to the Shawnee County Appraiser’s The Shawnee County Solid Waste department Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) data, there provides 43,000 residents and 1,100 businesses are at least 10,871 parcels with septic systems. There across the county with solid waste and recycling are also 229 parcels serviced by lagoons, though new services. The department hauls more than 150 tons individual lagoons are not encouraged. In addition, of refuse and 40 tons of recyclables per day, in 75 entities have NPDES permits. The City of Topeka addition to handling more than 100 tons of hazardous contains the largest NPDES permitted facilities, and material per year at the Household Hazardous Waste several school systems also operate on NPDES Facility. The solid waste fleet consists of 19 refuse permits. In total, septic systems account for about 18 and 11 recycling trucks to handle both residential and percent of the entire county’s wastewater supply. commercial solid waste. Within the County, Rolling Meadows Landfill is not expected to be filled within The county currently inspects and monitors septic the planning horizon of this document. systems ensuring minimum lot sizes that adequately provide efficient septic fields. Sites must be at least 3-acres to support an area without a percolation test, though smaller lots are allowed as percolation improves. In denser subdivisions (lots of less than 3 acres), the county has allowed rural residential neighborhood development with community wastewater systems as opposed to individual septic systems.
60 Figure 3.18: Sewer Lines
Source: Shawnee County GIS Data
61 DRAFT 09-01-2017
Emergency Services HEALTH SERVICES LAW ENFORCEMENT The Shawnee County Consolidated Emergency Several health care facilities are present in Topeka. Law enforcement within the County is provided by Communications Center answers calls for and Hospitals include St. Francis Health Center, Stormont four city police departments, Kansas Highway Patrol, dispatches for five law enforcement and eight fire Vail HealthCare, and Veterans Administration Medical and the Shawnee County Sheriff. The Topeka Police agencies. They operate 24 hours per day, seven days Clinic, in addition to numerous clinics, specialists, Department is the largest with around 300 sworn a week and answer more than 100,000 calls to 911 and the Community Health Center. Overall, Shawnee police officers. The Shawnee County Sheriff is the next and more than 250,000 dispatch calls annually. They County is well-served by medical facilities. In addition, largest department, including patrol, traffic, animal are staffed by 45 dispatchers and six supervisors. the Shawnee County Health Department recently control and criminal investigative duties with a staff of Shawnee County also has an emergency management conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment about 100 sworn officers. Meanwhile, the City police agency. This office oversees the emergency for Shawnee County. This process has provided a departments are smaller with Silver Lake, Rossville, management plans and is authorized to receive state roadmap for future improvements for the public health and Auburn employing an additional nine sworn and federal funds. Other services, such as fire, police, of Shawnee County, and it has begun a continued officers. Other law enforcement agencies include two and health services, are enumerated as follows: process of improvement. public security agencies, two school police forces, and the Shawnee County Lake patrol.
FIGURE 3.19: Health Care Statistics
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Hospital Beds 1,465 1,206 1,245 1,261 1,269 1,258 1,253 1,112 Adult Care Beds 1,461 1,470 1,465 1,454 1,499 1,524 1,538 1,538 Assisted Living 805 780 767 777 732 805 824 824 Beds Source: University of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research, Kansas County Profiles 2014
FIGURE 3.20: Crime Statistics
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Crimes 11,996 11,187 10,299 9,906 8,914 8,770 9,648 8,728 8,125 7,854 8,285 Crimes per 1,000 70.4 65.0 60.3 57.3 50.0 49.6 54.3 48.9 45.4 43.9 46.5 Violent 774 773 833 764 823 800 772 870 722 738 746 % Violent 6.5% 6.9% 8.1% 7.7% 9.2% 9.1% 8.0% 10.0% 8.9% 9.4% 9.0%
Source: Kansas Bureau of Investigation
62 SHAWNEE COUNTY | 2037 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Overall, the rate of crime has decreased in Shawnee FIGURE 3.21: Fire Protection Statistics County. Over the past ten years, the crime rate has decreased from 70.4 crimes per 1,000 residents FIREFIGHTERS to 46.5 per 1,000 residents. The number of violent LOCATION STATIONS crimes did not substantially change. Compared to the PAID VOLUNTEER State which averages 29.9 crimes per 1,000 people, Topeka 12 240 0 Shawnee County has higher rates of crime, although Topeka FD the county also has a smaller percentage of violent SNCO FD #1 Silver Lake 3 2 23 crimes (12.0 percent of state crimes were violent). Overall, law enforcement in Shawnee County seems SNCO FD #2 Auburn 1 31 25 adequate, though there are still opportunities to improve service provision. SNCO FD #3 Rossville 1 25 0
FIRE SERVICE SNCO FD #4 Dover 2 0 All Fire and some EMS protection is provided by rural and city fire districts. The largest is Topeka which serves Mission TWP FD Topeka 1 21 30 the City of Topeka and areas in the county within their Shawnee Heights FD Tecumseh 2 45 0 service area. The remaining fire districts are smaller and are scattered across the county. While fire districts Soldier TWP FD Topeka 1 4 35 cover the entire county, not all areas of the county are within the standard 8-minute drive time (Figure MTAA FD Topeka 1 19 0 3.22). This leaves some gaps in the county where fire protection is limited, even in areas with moderately dense development. Assurance of adequate fire Source: Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal protection is something that should be considered before the issuance of future building permits.
63 DRAFT 09-01-2017 Figure 3.22: Fire Districts and Stations
Source: Shawnee County GIS Data
64 Figure 3.23: Fire Response Times
65 DRAFT 09-01-2017 Broadband Availability Kansas Statewide Fixed Connections 3 Mbps or Greater Broadband E-Communities Broadband Initiative
St. Hiawatha Oberlin XY Francis Washington advertised. Meanwhile, the fringe of the county can To expand service, companies require a critical mass Troy XY XY XYNorton Communications Service XYMarysville XYSeneca XY Atwood Smith XYBelleville XY only get up to 10 mbps with limited areas receiving a of development. This can be as high as 50 units XY Phillipsburg Communications services, including telephone, cable, service maximum of 6 mbps. Part of this is probably to attract non-wireless service. Cell coverage also XYCenter XYMankato and internet, are provided by Cox Communications, because they can only receive wireless service, varies across the county (see Figure 3.24). Overall, XY AT&T, and Century Link. Most of the county has though it is also guided by population density; over communications services will likely never be as fast Doniphan broadband available but its speed varies across 90 percent of the population can obtain download in rural portions of ShawneeBrown County as in urban and Republic the county. Topeka and its environs have download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and more than that can suburban portions of the county. Service providers Cheyenne speeds advertised as exceeding 100 Mbps. Northwest receive DSL. Most homes have download speeds do not have a financial incentive to invest in the Rawlins Shawnee County has speeds up to 25 mbps Decatur Norton Phillips Concordia Washington betweenMarshall 2.7 and 16.1 mbps. Nemahainfrastructure necessary to support higher download XY Smith Jewell XY speeds when population density is very low. Atchison Holton Beloit XY Stockton Osborne XY Clay Atchison XY XY Figure 3.24: Broadband Availability Westmoreland XY XYColby Hill Center XY Goodland XY XY Broadband Availability Kansas Statewide Leavenworth XY City Fixed Connections 3 Mbps or Greater XY Hoxie Broadband E-Communities Broadband Initiative Cloud St. Hiawatha Oberlin XY Troy Francis XY XY XY Washington XYMarysville XYSeneca XY Atwood Norton Smith XYBelleville XY XY Phillipsburg XY XY XYCenter Mankato Doniphan Oskaloosa Republic Brown Cheyenne Rawlins Decatur Norton Phillips Smith Concordia Washington Marshall Nemaha AtchisonXY Jackson Jewell Pottawatomie XY Holton Beloit XY XY Mitchell Stockton Osborne Clay Atchison XY XY XY Westmoreland XY Hill Center XYGoodland Colby XY XYHoxie XYCity XY XYLeavenworth Sherman Cloud Oskaloosa Mitchell Pottawatomie Jackson XY Thomas Sherman XY Thomas Oakley XY Sheridan Graham Rooks Osborne Minneapolis Clay XY Oakley XY Riley Lincoln Sheridan XY Topeka Jefferson Wyandotte Graham Clay WaKeeney Center Alma XY Leavenworth XY XY XY XYJunction XY Rooks Gove XY Osborne MinneapolisSharon Ottawa City XY XY City Abilene Lawrence XY XY Springs XY Geary Shawnee Olathe XY XYRussell Lincoln Hays RileySalina XY Douglas Johnson Lincoln Wabaunsee Wallace XY Logan Council Wyandotte Gove Trego Ellis XY Jefferson Russell Ellsworth Grove XY Lyndon OttawaXY Topeka Dickinson Saline XY XYPaola La Crosse Morris Tribune Leoti Scott Dighton XY Ellsworth Center XY XY XY Ness City XY Leavenworth WaKeeney XYCity Cottonwood Osage Franklin Miami Great Alma XY XY McPherson Falls Emporia Rush Bend Marion XY Greeley XY XY XY XY Garnett Wichita Scott Lane Lyons XY XY Ness Barton Junction XY Burlington XY Lyon Larned XYMound Rice McPherson Marion XY Gove XY XYCity Chase XY Pawnee Hutchinson Coffey Anderson Linn Syracuse Jetmore XY Newton Garden XY XY XY Lakin XY XY City Iola City Ottawa XY St. John Fort Sharon Hodgeman Harvey XY XY XYKinsley Yates Scott City XYCenter XY Cimarron AbileneStafford XY Hamilton Kearny Finney XY Dodge XYEl Dorado Eureka Lawrence Woodson Allen XYCity Edwards Reno Bourbon XY Wichita Johnson XY Springs Pratt XY City Greenwood Olathe Greensburg XY XYKingman Shawnee XY XY XY Ulysses XY Geary XYErie Girard XY XY Sublette Gray Fredonia XY Ford Pratt Sedgwick Butler Lincoln Stanton XYHoward Grant Haskell Wilson Neosho XY Kiowa Kingman Crawford XY Russell Medicine Elk Hays Lodge XYMeade XY Wellington Independence XY XY XY Columbus Ashland Coldwater XYWinfield SalinaXYHugoton XY XY XY Oswego AnthonyXY XYSedan Morton Liberal Elkhart Cherokee XY Stevens XY Seward Chautauqua Montgomery Labette XY Meade Clark Comanche Barber Harper Sumner Cowley Douglas Johnson
Definitions 0 10 20 40 60 80 100 Wallace Miles Maximum AdvertisedWabaunsee Download Speed Logan Broadband Data transmission technology that provides a two-way This map depicts residential and "business-only" service area. Megabits per second (Mbps) 010 20 40 60 80 100 link to and from the Internet. Kilometers Data has been mapped according to the National Broadband Map standard. LAMBERT CONFORMAL CONIC PROJECTIONCouncil 3 - 6 Mbps 25 - 50 Mbps Gove Trego Fixed Connections Include: Where wireline service is provided in a census block less than two square NORTH AMERICAN DATUM OF 1983 miles in area, the entire census block is included. Where wireline service is 6 - 10 Mbps 50 - 100 Mbps Wireline Technology that enables service to a fixed location XY provided in a census block greater than two square miles in area, the service 10 - 25 Mbps 100 Mbps or Greater Ellis using copper, cable, or fiber lines. Russell Ellsworth area is mapped by the road segment. Wireless service areas are submitted by the service provider, or estimated using Radio Frequency (RF) propagation ² State of Kansas Grove XY Fixed Wireless Technology that enables service to a fixed location modeling software. The Data Access and Support Center does not guarantee Data Access and Support Center County Seat using a dedicated frequency of the broadcast spectrum. this map to be free from errors or inaccuracies and disclaims any responsibility Source: www.broadbandmap.gov/classroom/technology or liability for interpretations made from the map or decisions based thereon. Learn more: www.kansascommerce.comXY Data current as of 6/30/14 Lyndon Ottawa Source: Kansas Department of CommerceDickinson XY Saline XY XYPaola Tribune Leoti La Crosse Morris Scott Dighton XY Ellsworth 66 XY XY XY XY Ness City Osage XYCity Great Cottonwood Franklin Miami McPherson Falls XYEmporia Rush Bend Marion XY Greeley XY XY XY Garnett Wichita Scott XYLyons XY Lane Ness Barton Burlington Lyon Larned Rice McPherson Marion XY Mound XY XYCity Pawnee Hutchinson Chase Coffey Anderson Linn Syracuse XYJetmore Newton Garden XY XY XY Lakin XYCity XYSt. John Iola XY Hodgeman Harvey XY Fort XYKinsley Yates Scott XYCenter XY Cimarron Stafford Hamilton XY XY XYEureka Kearny Finney Dodge El Dorado Allen XYCity Edwards Reno Woodson Wichita Bourbon Johnson Pratt XY City Greensburg XY XYKingman Greenwood XY XYUlysses XY XY XY Erie XYGirard Sublette Gray Fredonia XY Ford Pratt Sedgwick Butler Stanton XYHoward Grant Haskell Wilson Neosho Kiowa Kingman Crawford Medicine Lodge Elk XYMeade XY Wellington Independence XY XY XY Columbus Ashland Coldwater XYWinfield XY XYHugoton XY OswegoXY AnthonyXY XYSedan Morton Liberal Elkhart Cherokee XY Stevens XY Seward Chautauqua Montgomery Labette Meade Clark Comanche Barber Harper Sumner Cowley
Definitions 0 10 20 40 60 80 100 Miles Maximum Advertised Download Speed This map depicts residential and "business-only" service area. Megabits per second (Mbps) Broadband Data transmission technology that provides a two-way 010 20 40 60 80 100 link to and from the Internet. Kilometers Data has been mapped according to the National Broadband Map standard. LAMBERT CONFORMAL CONIC PROJECTION 3 - 6 Mbps 25 - 50 Mbps Fixed Connections Include: Where wireline service is provided in a census block less than two square NORTH AMERICAN DATUM OF 1983 miles in area, the entire census block is included. Where wireline service is 6 - 10 Mbps 50 - 100 Mbps Wireline Technology that enables service to a fixed location provided in a census block greater than two square miles in area, the service 10 - 25 Mbps 100 Mbps or Greater using copper, cable, or fiber lines. area is mapped by the road segment. Wireless service areas are submitted by the service provider, or estimated using Radio Frequency (RF) propagation ² State of Kansas Fixed Wireless Technology that enables service to a fixed location modeling software. The Data Access and Support Center does not guarantee Data Access and Support Center XY County Seat using a dedicated frequency of the broadcast spectrum. this map to be free from errors or inaccuracies and disclaims any responsibility Source: www.broadbandmap.gov/classroom/technology or liability for interpretations made from the map or decisions based thereon. Learn more: www.kansascommerce.com Data current as of 6/30/14 Figure 3.25: Cellphone Towers
67 DRAFT 09-01-2017
Education • Shawnee Heights (#450) is in southeast Shawnee Topeka. Other private accredited institutions include County. With an enrollment of 3,555 students, Baker University and Friends University. Within a There are nine school districts in Shawnee County. Shawnee Heights has four elementary schools 50-mile radius, Topeka has 87,686 enrolled students Topeka Public Schools USD (#501), the largest district (Berryton, Shawnee Heights, Tecumseh North, with more than 15,405 degrees and 2,305 certificates in the County, is completely within Topeka city limits. and Tecumseh South), a Middle School, and a conferred over the 2014-2015 school year. This High School. As such, it does not serve unincorporated county. The includes Kansas State University and University of other main six districts include: Kansas, providing a large pool of educated labor Jefferson West USD (#340) and Santa Fe Trail USD • Kaw Valley USD (#321) is in northwest Shawnee nearby. County but is based out of Pottawatomie County. (#434) also serve very small portions of Shawnee County. According to the Kansas State Deparrtment With 1,170 enrolled students, the USD has two Overall, Shawnee County is well-served by of Education K-12 Statistics page, the County also has elementary schools (Rossville and St. Marys), educational institutions that are adequately funded four private accredited schools including Kennedy two junior-senior high schools (Rossville and St. and seem to compare favorably. In the past, school Mary’s), and a Special Services building. Academy, Lutheran Schools, the Southard School districts have been drivers of development of certain Menningers, and TARC. • Wabunsee East USD (#329) is in southwest areas of the county. This trend will likely continue.
Shawnee County but is based out of Wabunsee Utilizing schools as assets, ensuring new schools Shawnee County also contains several institutions County. With 442 enrolled students, it is the are built near development, and maintain a variety of of higher education and further learning, including smallest school district serving the county. It has transportation options near them will help them be three elementary schools (Alma, Maple Hill, and Washburn University, Washburn Institute of more accessible to students of all ages. Paxico Middle School), and two other buildings, Technology and Rasmussen College, all located in Wabaunsee Junior High and Senior High. • Seaman USD (#345) is the northeastern most FIGURE 3.26: 2015-2016 Year Public School Statistics district. With 3,821 enrolled students, Seaman has FREE / REDUCED EXPENDITURES PER five elementary schools (Elmont, Logan, Northern COUNTY ENROLLMENT Hills, North Fairview, and West Indianola), Seaman LUNCHES PUPIL Middle and High School, and the Mathes Learning Kaw Valley Pottawatomie 1,170 40.0% $14,804 Center. Wabaunsee Wabaunsee 442 36.0% $16,621 • Silver Lake USD (#372) is in north-central Seaman Shawnee 3,821 36.6% $12,538 Shawnee County. With an enrollment of 700 Shawnee 700 21.3% $14,492 students, it is one of the smallest districts primarily Silver Lake located in Shawnee County. This USD has three Auburn Washburn Shawnee 6,275 34.4% $11,161 schools, Silver Lake Elementary, and Silver Lake Shawnee Heights Shawnee 3,555 39.0% $11,769 Junior and Senior High. Topeka Public Schools Shawnee 14,169 76.7% $14,660
• Auburn Washburn (#437) is in south-central Source: Kansas Department of Education Shawnee County. Auburn Washburn is the largest school district in the County aside from Topeka Public Schools and has grown rapidly with 6,275 FIGURE 3.27: Higher Education students. The district has seven elementary schools (Auburn, Farley, Indian hills, Jay Shideler, Pauline Central, Pauline South Intermediate, ENROLLMENT TOTAL DEGREES TOTAL CERTIFICATES Wanamaker), Washburn Middle School, and two high schools (Washburn Rural Alternative and Washburn Institute of Technology 1,884 - 1,080 Washburn Rural High), in addition to the Pathways Washburn University 7,848 1,245 529 Learning Center and Tallgrass Student Learning Source: Topeka-Shawnee County Holistic Economic Development Strategy Center.
68 Figure 3.28: School Districts and Buildings
Source: Shawnee County GIS Data
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FUTURE CONDITIONS Roadways to provide a spine for the county pedestrian network. This can be supplemented by trail development. Futures2040, the Regional Transportation Plan for the The county has recently focused on the maintenance Topeka Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA), provides Meanwhile, sidepaths constructed during road of its facilities first, followed by improving the quality a plan for future transportation infrastructure near reconstruction can also provide routes for bicyclists of service provision for the county. This emphasis is Topeka. The plan accounts for both probable project in the county. In addition, Topeka is implementing largely driven by the public which desires to maintain costs and expected revenues, ensuring that it is its Bikeway Master Plan which will extend into its already high quality of life, including good roads fiscally feasible. However, the plan does not include unincorporated areas (Figure 3.29). The plan was and high-performing schools. all Shawnee County, and instead focuses on most of completed in 2012 and should be finished before the eastern half. For the most part, projects included the planning horizon of Futures 2040. These Currently, there are not many plans to expand but for Shawnee County are maintenance or safety bicycle facilities would facilitate travel to urbanized general infrastructure. For the most part, expansions improvements. Major projects of adding turn lanes unincorporated areas and should be encouraged and are discussed reactively when new residents or include: supported by the County. developers request expansions. In the past, this has • NW 46th Street (Button to Rochester) primarily occurred with development near Topeka. In Outside of those specific routes, other routes in the some cases, infrastructure has been expanded in a • NW Rochester (US-24 to NW 50th) county could include: proactive manner, such as the northern wastewater • SE 29th Street Bridge Over Deer Creek • Recreational trail along the Kansas River from line. However, proactive infrastructure needs • SE 45th (California to Berryton) consistent policy decisions to fund its expense. Douglas County to Wabaunsee County. This is addressed further in the discussion and • SE 45th (Berryton to Croco) • Recreational trail along the abandoned railroad recommendations section. • SW 29th St (Indian Hills to Auburn) right-of-way near Half Day Creek from the Goodyear Tire plant north toward Hoyt, KS in • SW Auburn (K-4 to 37th) Transportation infrastructure for much of the county Jackson County. This rail line may not have been • NE 46th St (Topeka to Indian Creek) is proactively planned due to federal requirements. railbanked. But, it may be possible to dedicate right-of-way as future suburban development This section examines planned future conditions for • SW Auburn (37th to 45th) occurs. transportation infrastructure. • SW 61st St (Wanamaker to KTA Bridge) • Recreational trail along the abandoned railroad • NE 46th St (Indian Creek to Meriden) right-of-way near Soldier Creek from the • SW Auburn (45th to 53rd) intersection of NE Grantville Road and NE Goldwater Road north toward Meriden, KS in • SW Burlingame (57th to KTA Bridge on SW 61st) Jefferson County. This rail line may have been • NE 46th St (Meriden to Kincaid railbanked as far north as NE 46th Street. • SW Auburn (53rd to 61st) • Recreational trail along the Wakarusa River from the Landon Trail east toward Clinton Reservoir in Douglas County. Much of the land needed for this Active Transportation trail is already owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Active transportation is emphasized in Futures2040, • Adding paved shoulders with rumble strips along supported by efforts like Shawnee County’s complete US-40 Highway from K-4 Highway east to Douglas streets and subdivision policies. As a result of these County line. US-40 Highway follows the historic policies, sidewalks will be constructed along with any Oregon Trail and California Trail Routes. This is a new subdivisions in Shawnee County. Meanwhile, potential Scenic Byway Route. as the road projects occur above, efforts should be K-4 Highway NE of Dover made to incorporate sidewalks or sidepaths into them
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• Adding paved shoulders with rumble strips Figure 3.29: Topeka Bikeway Master Plan along SE 45th Street from East Edge Road east to Douglas County. This route would connect Lake Shawnee with Clinton Reservoir in Douglas County. Many segments of this road already have paved shoulders. • Adding paved shoulders with rumble strips along K-4 Highway from Dover east to Auburn Road. K-4 Highway has been designated as the Native Stone Scenic Byway from Dover east to Auburn Road in Shawnee County.
Each of these potential bicycle routes should be studied in more detail before moving into the project development phase.
US-40 near SE Shadden Raod
Kansas River
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DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY: Figure 3.30: Infrastructure Opportunity Map Conceptualization INFRASTRUCTURE OPPORTUNITIES Infrastructure Opportunities Proximity to infrastructure is integral to development. Shawnee County’s infrastructure allows future growth to occur in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. As such, development should be encouraged where infrastructure such as sewer, water, and paved roads Fire Response Times are available, in addition to paying attention to fire response times, schools, and airport zones.
The following map identifies areas that should be prioritized for new development. The map was created by weighing proximity to existing infrastructure, Roadways generating an aggregated rating for general access to INFRASTRUCTURE infrastructure. Factors considered for this map include: OPPORTUNITY RATINGS • Proximity to Sewer Lines Major Considerations (Dark • Public Water Availability Orange) • Paved Roads Water Access Does not have much access to critical infrastructure. • Fire Response Times • Proximity to Schools Higher Considerations • Airport Approach Zones (Orange) Has access to some kinds of Sewer Access Developers, County staff, the Planning Commission, infrastructure, but not enough and the County Commission should use the to promote much cost-savings; infrastructure opportunity map, definitions on this often includes access to public page, and examples in Figure 3.31 to determine if water and roads. proposed developments adequately utilize existing infrastructure. Minor Considerations (Tan) School Proximity Has access to most forms While the suitability map gives a general overview of of infrastructure and can be access to critical infrastructure, each site is unique and efficiently provided most each development proposal should be reviewed on a services, often at urban or near case-by-case basis to determine how to best promote urban levels. efficient use of resources. Airport Zones
72 FIGURE 3.31: Infrastructure Opportunity Map
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DISCUSSION AND Expansion, Maintenance, and Roadway Construction Replacement Costs Discussion RECOMMENDATIONS Costs Per Home Roads and bridges in the county are generally well- Expectations about the road surfaces in The per home costs of road improvement are maintained, serve agricultural needs well, and provide unincorporated Shawnee County have changed a function of density. good connections to other counties. Congestion levels as more people move outside of the cities of • In exurban areas, between 34 and 52 are low on county and township roads. Occasionally, Auburn, Rossville, Silver Lake, Topeka and Willard. homes can be built on 3-acre tracts along heavier vehicles, such as tractors and trucks, have It is important to consider the cost of paving or a 1-mile road, assuming construction issues on some roads, bridges, and round-a-bouts, but reconstructing a road as an area transitions from on both sides of the road. Historically, for the most part, they are adequately served. rural to exurban or suburban uses. Assuming it is only 200 feet of frontage was required. not necessary to acquire additional right-of-way or Topeka now requires 300 feet within the ETJ. Thus, the per home cost of paving a Other public services in the county are also relocate utilities, it typically costs $1 million per lane road in exurban areas would range from considered to be adequate. As a result, county per mile to pave a road. As all roads need at least $40,000 to $60,000. residents are more concerned about maintaining 2-lanes, paving a 1-mile road can be expected to cost roadways, utilities and public services, continuing at least $2 million per mile. • In areas where additional homes on to improve services and quality of life, and making 3-acre lots are also built on interiors, as many as 102 homes can split the cost the best use of taxpayer dollars. To do this, the costs Development patterns complicate this issue. Exurban of paving a road, costing $20,000 per of providing infrastructure needs to be considered, residential development encroached on rural areas home. for both reactive and proactive infrastructure during the last 50-years. The plat exemption process development. made it easy for people to build homes on 3-acre • In areas with 1/2 acre lots, 352 lots can split the cost of paving a road, thus tracts along existing public roads. Many section-line costing only $5,700. roads have had homes built along them while the interior portions of the sections remain undeveloped. This results in conflicting land uses and also in conflicting transportation needs as slow-moving Similar issues arise regarding the sanitary sewer agricultural equipment use the same roads as fast- lines in unincorporated Shawnee County. Shawnee moving commuters eager to get to and from work or County requires all new development within 200 feet to and from school. Similarly, the relatively low density of any sanitary sewer line to connect to the line as a of development per square mile results in an inability condition of development. Given the public investment to widen roads and bridges as traffic volumes and made in these systems, the public health benefits, and speeds increase. This is largely the result of the cost of the greater likelihood of ongoing maintenance of the roadway improvements. facilities, this policy is reasonable.
These factors also make it important to consider However, Shawnee County invested $2.1 million to whether county taxpayers or homeowners benefitting build the Half Day Creek Sewer Interceptor Line in directly from the project should pay the costs of 1993, or about $3.5 million in today’s dollars. This paving or improving the road, especially since the allows denser development to the north, following road now mostly fulfills local functions. Road impact then-current development patterns. To recover its fees could support future roadway improvements as investment, the county charges property owners areas transition from rural to exurban in such a way as a sewer connection fees of $4,078.90 per acre as to have those who benefit pay the costs. development occurs and looks for enhanced property
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197 319
57
198 Legend
Vacant platted lots
Sanitary Sewer 160 31 COT Urban Growth Area Parcels City Boundary
´ Vacant Platted Lots - Half Day Creek Area Topeka Planning Department May 17, 2017
Figure 3.32: Vacant Platted Lots
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values. Like road construction, this means that as Coordinating Infrastructure Promoting Development with Infrastructure density increases, the cost per unit decreases: a Although transportation and infrastructure In addition to lower densities created by the frequent 5-acre lot costs $20,394.50 to connect whereas a ½ improvements typically follow development, use of the plat exemption process over several acre lot would cost $2,039.45. Where the land along planning for improvements can encourage and guide decades, the process also makes it difficult for the line not connected, county tax payers would be development. Planning for infrastructure provides advance consideration of the cumulative impacts of required to subsidize the difference. certainty and assurance that the county is actively scattered development on the provision of public interested in its growth, development, and quality of services, including how to plan for and efficiently The City of Topeka has adopted a Land Use life. Level of Service standards may be necessary to deliver those services. This is because service and Growth Management Plan that discourages ensure that infrastructure extensions are purposeful delivery issues are not discovered until the building some development in the ETJ to support infill and and that emergency service providers, school districts, permit stage or later, and it does not encourage redevelopment in Topeka. Topeka staff are therefore and other services can adequately serve an area. In development in places with infrastructure, nor does reluctant to allow new subdivisions to connect to effect, planning for infrastructure improvements can it provide for the extension of infrastructure where it their sanitary sewer system directly or to sewer boost the economy, provide a strategy for industrial, does not exist. Continued use of the plat exemption systems that feed into their treatment facilities. commercial, and residential growth, and ensure a high process is problematic because infrastructure The City of Topeka have grandfathered existing quality of service provision. approved subdivisions to connect. At present, there construction, maintenance, and replacement costs are significant and low density linear development raises are approximately 1,000 platted but yet undeveloped In addition, investments to infrastructure supporting those costs. lots in the ETJ and UGA. However, this policy can a high quality of life bolster development. Promoting make it difficult for the county to recoup its investment pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure can One option is to designate “county growth areas” on the Half Day Creek Sewer Inceptor which is still allow more active forms of transportation and provide where land use and infrastructure can be planned underutilized. a desirable recreational amenity. This includes new together in advance. This allows more strategic and trails and sidewalks that extend to existing activity efficient use of public funds and infrastructure. In the centers. For example, it would allow children to walk process, the County should consider the construction, to schools in a safe manner. These also support maintenance, and expansion costs of infrastructure. In actions the county has taken to encourage the addition, planning should guide development to areas development of Complete Streets. High levels of with underutilized infrastructure and act as a starting telecommunications services, including both high point to coordinate with municipalities, rural water speed internet and mobile phone service, are integral districts, and other taxing jurisdictions. This allows to the new economy. Ensuring adequate levels of quality, seamless, and unified service while reducing service will help attract and retain businesses and additional and redundant costs for public and semi- residents to the county, even if they will never reach public improvements and development. the levels seen in urban areas. For example, controlling access to arterials provides better service and safety to the roadway by reducing sporadic turning activity. As a result, joint access points should be determined prior to development in an area. Coordination also reduces costs by sharing common work, such as utilities trenches, and ensures that water, wastewater, water retention, water drainage, and proper rights-of-way and easements are accessible and complete at a proper timing and location.
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Great Roadways in Shawnee County Another feature important to Shawnee County are Complete Streets, already adopted by the 12 Characteristics of Great The American Planning Association has developed a county. Over time, this policy will make the county Streets list of the characteristics of Great Streets. The “Twelve safer and more enjoyable by all roadway users, Characteristics of Great Streets” is an excellent particularly pedestrians and cyclists. Specific routes 1. Provides orientation to its users, and guide for Shawnee County, the twelve townships, recommended for complete streets: connects well to the larger pattern of and the Kansas Department of Transportation to • K-4 Highway from I-70 to Dover ways. consider during project development for projects in 2. Balances the competing needs of unincorporated Shawnee County. • US-40 Highway from K-4 Highway to Douglas County the street — driving, transit, walking, cycling, servicing, parking, drop-offs, There are several factors that should be considered in • SE 45th Street from East Edge Road to Douglas etc. designing Great Streets in unincorporated Shawnee County. County. These include considering design elements 3. Fits the topography and capitalizes on • Routes from the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan natural features. that can either enhance or detract from the roadway. 4. Is lined with a variety of interesting Other routes, particularly those near schools and Streetscape features, such as street lights, trees and activities and uses that create a varied parks should be considered as well to develop Safe streetscape. landscaping, and street furniture can contribute to Routes to Schools and Safe Routes to Parks. the unique character of key corridors. Additionally, 5. Has urban design or architectural features that are exemplary in design. streetscapes calm traffic and encourage bicycle Finally, it is possible to plant native grasses and and pedestrian traffic by creating safe spaces. wildflowers in rural locations that require substantially 6. Relates well to its bordering uses — Enhancements to the streetscape such as special less maintenance such as mowing. In exurban allows for continuous activity, doesn’t paving treatments and street furnishings can locations, open drainage ditches may be used. In displace pedestrians to provide access contribute to the experience for pedestrians and suburban locations, neighborhood amenities can to bordering uses. help define neighborhood character. Well-designed be required such as street trees and decorative 7. Encourages human contact and social streetscapes can support activities, though landscaping at key intersections. activities. streetscape elements are not appropriate for every 8. Employs hardscape and/or landscape public roadway in unincorporated areas. Areas where to great effect. they are most appropriate include: 9. Promotes safety of pedestrians and • Suburban locations near the City of Topeka. vehicles and promotes use over the • Locations near schools and parks 24-hour day. • Major intersections 10. Promotes sustainability through minimizing runoff, reusing water, • Community gateways, including both the five ensuring groundwater quality, incorporated cities and the many unincorporated minimizing heat islands, and towns. responding to climatic demands. 11. Is well maintained, and capable of being maintained without excessive costs. 12. Has a memorable character.
List courtesy of the American Planning Association.
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Goals and Recommendations TI-2: Ensure fiscally responsible administration TI-3: Improve mobility and access throughout of infrastructure investments. the county for all modes of transportation. Taken together, the costs of expanding infrastructure, the coordination of infrastructure, and the use of 1. Consider the lifecycle costs to the public of 1. Follow the recommendations of the Topeka infrastructure to guide and promote development have infrastructure such as its initial construction, Regional Transportation Plan. all led to support transportation and infrastructure maintenance and replacement costs. Plan and 2. Promote the development of an active goals and recommendations. review developments accordingly and regularly transportation system of trails and sidewalks to budget for major maintenance and replacement improve the mobility of groups that do not drive, costs. TI-1: Prioritize the maintenance of existing including children and the elderly, to improve infrastructure. 2. Utilize existing infrastructure to its full potential. safety, and to provide desirable amenities for This includes filling in spotty and partially residents. 1. Ensure that all facilities owned or managed developed areas, hooking new development 3. Consider the role of transit in unincorporated by the county have at the minimum adequate into existing infrastructure to reduce the Shawnee County, both within the county and to maintenance to prevent the deterioration of burden on taxpayers, and generally focusing surrounding communities. services. Ideally, the county should be a leader development to available infrastructure with in the maintenance and management of its adequate capacity. Special attention should 4. A new interchange has been discussed in properties. be paid to areas with existing underutilized the county near Auburn on I-335 (i.e., the Kansas Turnpike). However, Auburn Road 2. Prevent the overutilization of infrastructure that infrastructure. must be upgraded to handle the traffic first is used for purposes other than was intended 3. Grow incrementally based on ability to provide for this project to advance, and the exit must when they were created (moving from a farm-to- infrastructure and in places where infrastructure generate new traffic per KTA’s policy. The cost table road to a local residential commuter road). is already expanded, promote development; of constructing the interchange is likely to This will prevent unforeseen wear and tear on do not construct new infrastructure to service exceed $15 million in 2017 dollars. The cost of properties. leapfrog development. reconstructing Auburn Road is likely to be $1 4. Plan and coordinate transportation facilities, million per lane per mile. These costs make an infrastructure improvements, and development additional interchange in this area seem unlikely with municipalities to provide seamless and through at least 2031 when the county half cent unified service. This includes working with other sales tax will be reconsidered. taxing jurisdictions to identify locations where development will likely happen and how to most efficiently provide them service. Ensure that other decision-making bodies are also planning and considering their direct and indirect impacts. 5. Consider adopting a full Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), approved by Planning Commission, to address issues of certainty when developers are trying to coordinate service providers.
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TI-4: Coordinate planning and service TI-5: Use infrastructure investments to provision. enhance the quality of life, develop the economy, and increase safety. 1. Require land development to have adequately provided infrastructure. 1. Infrastructure is essential for businesses. Look 2. Coordinate with other taxing jurisdictions at ways to support business development to encourage the fullest use of existing through infrastructure investment, including transportation infrastructure. telecommunications infrastructure. 3. Ensure cooperation between cities and 2. Work with Shawnee County Parks and Shawnee County to support planned Recreation to develop a county-wide system infrastructure improvements long term. This of trails that connects into regional trail would prevent frictions between jurisdictions, systems including the Flint Hills Nature Trail. create certainty for developers, and prevent the This provides both mobility and recreational underutilization of infrastructure. benefits. 4. Encourage the MPTO to expand its boundaries 3. Increase safety by exploring new ways to help to again include all of Shawnee County to law enforcement effectively patrol the county. improve the planning and coordination of 4. Develop a roadway system that can help reduce transportation investments. accidents on the roads for motorists, including 5. Consider creating development service tiers turn lanes on highly traveled roadways. in the county to address issues of certainty 5. Consider transportation, utility and public for developers and to allow residents to have service requirements in any future updates to realistic expectations of service provision. Shawnee County’s development regulations (i.e., zoning and subdivision)
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