Peabody Mayor Larry Larsen signed a contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation during the past week to receive grant monies for signage in and around Peabody.

The $45,000 grant is a result of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and the City of Peabody.

KDOT has contracted with BG Consultants Inc. of Lawrence to develop a “master plan” and a “way-finding plan” for the City of Peabody. Initially, the consulting firm will meet with local officials to assist in the development of the plan. The completed plan is expected to be presented to Peabody City Council in the spring of 2013.

Of the grant proceeds, $20,000 have been allocated for the planning portion of the grant. The Kansas Department of Commerce will contribute $25,000, matched with $5,000 from the city for the implementation and construction of the planned signage.

“This is a great way for the City of Peabody to leverage a minimal investment and yet make a substantial impact on local signage,” said Shane Marler, executive director of Peabody Economic Development. “Our main priority will be to address signage needs at the west edge of Peabody and implement additional directional signage for travelers who come into town off the highway.”

The City of Peabody has been working on the grant with the two state agencies since the fall of 2011, when initial meetings were held with state representatives.

“This has been a long time coming,” Larsen said. “We’ve known about the grant award for some time, but due to contractual limitations, we have been unable to let the public know until now.

“It is always great news when Peabody receives a grant, and this is even better news as it will help address an issue we have been conscious of for some time,” he added.