The Kansas Turnpike Authority moves Kansas forward by operating a safe, reliable and customer-valued turnpike system in a fiscally responsible, businesslike manner. As an independent instrument of the state, it performs an essential government function, specifically providing toll-supported transportation services. The Turnpike was planned and constructed prior to the federal Interstate highway system. Federal planners later designated the Turnpike as Interstate highway rather than building parallel roads, saving millions of dollars. The KTA has never received any federal or state tax dollars. Maintenance and operations are funded from tolls, which also support repayment of revenue bonds used to fund capital improvements. Some additional revenue is received through non-tolling sources such as leases and other contractual agreements. Millions in motor fuel and sales tax collected from the Turnpike’s six service areas is paid each year to the state of Kansas for use unrelated to the Turnpike. The Turnpike’s 236 miles of Interstate roadway generate federal aid that is used by the state of Kansas. This additional federal aid goes into the state highway fund to help fund other Kansas transportation needs.