(KAIR)--Two major sidewalk improvement projects in Atchison are moving forward, with state funding covering most of the construction costs.

The Atchison City Commission, during its November 2 meeting, approved agreements authorizing construction contracts totaling $1,311,684 for improvements along Unity Street and North Fifth Street.

Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee presented the projects to commissioners, outlining the construction costs and the city's financial commitment.

The Unity Street project, extending from Second to Sixth Streets, carries a construction contract of $680,624, with the city contributing $160,000.

The North Fifth Street project, part of the Safe Routes to School program, carries a $631,060 construction contract funded entirely by the state.

City Manager Mark Westhoff emphasized the significance of the investment compared with the city's relatively small financial contribution.

"The total project between the two of them, I think probably closer to almost — not quite to almost $2 million worth of pedestrian improvements on two very main corridors on the north side of town for a local match of about 10% of the total project cost," Westhoff said.

The combined investment includes costs beyond the construction contracts, bringing the overall value of the improvements closer to $2 million.

Both construction contracts were awarded to King's Construction Company, with the Kansas Department of Transportation administering the projects.

The improvements are intended to provide safer pedestrian connections along two major corridors on the north side of Atchison.