Kansas roads

The Legislature backed Gov. Sam Brownback’s strategy to narrow the state budget deficit by sweeping $185 million in transportation funds and delaying projects to fix treacherous highways and intersections that continue to exact a human toll.

A major piece of construction put off at least one year to free up cash would overhaul US-69 in southeast Kansas, where the car driven by Derek Curtis Brumbaugh, 17, of Pittsburg, crossed the center line near Arcadia and struck the vehicle operated by David Glen Kessler, 56, of Kearney, Mo. The violent collision in February killed both men.

State officials vowed for years to spend $75 million transforming the remaining two-lane highway between Fort Scott and Pittsburg into a four-lane expressway, but the new budget deal indicated a willingness among most lawmakers to wait.

“The governor came down and promised right before the election. They had the governor’s guarantee,” said Rep. Adam Lusker, D-Frontenac.

“That’s right,” said Sen. Jake LaTurner, a Republican from Pittsburg. “It’s a dangerous road.”

LaTurner sent a letter of protest […]