Gov. Colyer visits Venture Corporation, hears of highway funding impact

Governor Jeff Colyer (center) surrounded from left to right by Doris K. Spray, Chairwoman of the of Venture Corporation, Venture President Kip Spray, 1st District Congressman Roger Marshall, Venture Executive Vice-President Chris Spray.

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer was in Barton County this weekend and visited with Venture Corporation Saturday afternoon. Colyer wanted to hear from the road construction company in Great Bend about the impact from the reduced highway fund from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Billions of dollars have been swept from the highway fund by Kansas Legislatures to help balance the state’s budget.

Venture’s Kip Spray was happy to have Colyer in town.

Kip Spray Audio

Spray was selected by Kansas Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman to join the 31-member Transportation Task Force. The Task Force will evaluate the current condition of the state’s transportation system and make recommendations regarding the future needs.

Kip Spray Audio

The Task Force members will meet at least eight times to receive local input on unfinished highway projects and future projects. The members will meet once in each of the six KDOT districts and once in Wichita and Kansas City.