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Transportation has driven the development of Kansas from its very first days. As we approach the conclusion
of the Comprehensive Transportation Program (CTP), I want to thank you for your willingness to serve as a
member of the task force that will craft a new strategic transportation approach that positions our state for the
future. I am pleased to announce that the task force will be co-chaired by Transportation Secretary Deb
Miller and Tim Rogers, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority.

While we don’t know what funding options might be possible, we do know there will always be
infrastructure needs. And, we also know that transportation is key to seizing economic opportunities and
creating jobs to stimulate our economy. The task force will develop recommendations for an approach that
recognizes all forms of transportation and serves our future.

At a time of both unprecedented possibilities and emerging fiscal challenges, this work will require bold and
flexible thinking.

I ask that the task force recommendations be shaped by the following priorities:

1. A commitment to keep our roads and bridges safe and in good repair

   Kansans want safe transportation. I ask the task force to make recommendations to enhance the
   safety of our state and local roads and bridges.

   Over the last 20 years, our state has made a major investment in our transportation system. Kansans
   expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely and so do I. It would be wasteful to lose our investment
   because we did not care for our roads and bridges. The task force should make recommendations
   that protect the investment Kansans have already made.

   In addition to the state’s infrastructure, local transportation needs must also be addressed. Kansas
   has one of the largest local road and bridge networks in the nation. While many of these roads and
   bridges are critical for getting goods and crops to market, maintaining such an extensive network is
   difficult particularly for those counties with declining populations. Conversely, areas that are
   growing have transportation demands that have proven equally difficult to meet. The task force
   should explore how to best meet the needs of preserving and improving local roads and bridges.

2. Forward thinking without relying on old business models

   Our citizens want and need better modal options. Our project selection processes should be
   transparent and collaborative in order to support regional priorities. To create the greatest benefit to
   the state, our transportation investments need to align with our state’s top economic priorities. And,
   moving transportation projects from concept through construction takes longer than it should.

   Delays are frustrating to communities and travelers and costly to our economy. The speed of project
   delivery during both the development and the construction stage must be increased.

   Accomplishing these goals requires fresh thinking. I also ask the task force to consider how this new
   transportation approach recognizes growing concerns about energy independence, climate change
   and sustainability. The new approach should move Kansas towards a more diversified transportation
   portfolio that includes enhancing rail and aviation assets for the Kansas economy along with
   discussion on enhancing transit for Kansans.

3. A new approach that reflects today’s realities but also creates a framework that prepares our
   state for the future

   Our state is facing fiscal pressures and at the same time the cost of materials needed to build
   transportation projects is increasing. The task force recommendations should reflect that reality.
   However, transportation needs don’t just go away and in order for our economy to grow we must
   continue to invest. The State will be best served if the task force reviews a range of transportation
   investment scenarios and considers approaches that could be implemented in stages if necessary.
   I recognize that financing a new transportation approach will be challenging. I ask that you examine
   federal, state and local funding sources and consider the extent to which traditional funding sources
   are viable and determine if creative financing tools make sense for Kansas.

   New and innovative funding frameworks that seek to maximize and leverage federal, state and local
   funding sources should be fully explored. Concepts that should be explored include Transportation
   Development Districts, Star Bond type financing structures and other models where infrastructure
   costs are paid through transportation user fees. These types of models will require more local
   support and commitment than typical bonding models currently used.

   With current fuel prices at all time highs I cannot support any increase in motor fuel taxes and ask
   that the task force look to other approaches.

   Working Collaboratively

   Our state has enjoyed twenty years of success in transportation, which has been a direct result of legislators
   from both parties from all across the state working together. Accordingly, I have asked Secretary Miller to
   reach out to legislative leadership from both parties and enlist their help to find the appropriate legislators to
   serve as task force members.

   The work that lies ahead will be difficult and I appreciate your willingness to accept this responsibility. The
   task force must create a vision that is mindful of our money, recognizes the needs of both rural and urban
   Kansas, and uses the strength of all transportation modes. I look forward to seeing a set of recommendations
   that frame a new strategic approach to our future transportation needs.

   Sincerely,
   Governor Kathleen Sebelius