Salina will soon see a transformation along its interstate corridor after the City Commission voted unanimously to approve a tree-planting initiative aimed at screening the northbound lanes of I-135.
The $250,000 project, funded entirely by a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, will place 570 Green Giant Arborvitae trees between Magnolia Road and the railroad overpass. The trees, each standing 4 to 5 feet tall, will be spaced eight feet apart to create a continuous visual buffer.
The commission approved the project in a 5-0 vote, awarding the contract to Landscape Consultants LLC of New Cambria, Kan. The total contract cost is $209,345, with a 10 percent contingency bringing the authorized amount to $230,279.50.
The base bid covers 400 trees, while an alternate bid adds 100 more, and another 70 trees were included to fill a gap in the coverage. The contractor will not only handle planting and mulching, but also provide twice-yearly fertilization, pest control, and a two-year maintenance plan that includes replacing any dead trees.
Work is scheduled to begin in October and November, a timeline made possible by legislative support from Senator J.R. Claeys in the 2024 state budget.
No city funds are required for the project.