Work could begin next year on expansion efforts for the Emporia Municipal Airport if the Kansas Department of Transportation approves.
During the Emporia City Commission study session Wednesday, Public Works Director Dean Grant presented commissioners with an application to KDOT’s Aviation department. The application is seeking $600,000 for a “short” runway expansion of 51 feet.
The grant would go into effect in fiscal year 2022 — Jul. 1 2021 — if approved. The city’s share of the project is currently estimated at $60,000.
The application will be sent to KDOT before Sept. 30. Grant anticipates receiving word on the application’s status by January.
In other business, commissioners received a presentation from Emporia Community Action regarding the potential establishment of a new position Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The CDEI would be in charge of identifying community needs affecting marginalized populations and developing solutions with the assistance of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force.
Commissioners voiced their support for the proposal with commissioner Rob Gilligan believing it is an important topic to discuss. Gilligan did state he would like to see more information on how a position and task force such as this would function within a community the size of Emporia.
ECA Director Emily Velazquez-Agaton stated the position is a relatively new development in cities across the country. She says if the City of Emporia were to approve its implementation, Emporia would essentially serve as a standard-bearer for the rest of the state.
Word on when ECA will return to continue discussions on the topic with commissioners is currently pending.
Separately, commissioners discussed the city’s contract with Emporia Mainstreet with some targeted questions being brought up regarding membership on the board of directors and Main Street’s bylaws. Those conversations are expected to continue during the commission’s next meeting next Wednesday at 10 am inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
