Approval of a resolution by Emporia City Commissioners Wednesday could lead to a realm of new development opportunities and subsequently a realm of new benefits to the community if granted approval by the state of Kansas.
During their regular action session, commissioners approved a resolution to begin the process of expanding the city’s Rural Housing Incentive District properties. The proposed expansion would encompass portions south of 12th Avenue, north of South Ave. and between East and West Street according to City Special Projects Coordinator Jim Witt.
Wednesday’s resolution does not grant immediate RHID status to the properties, however, according to Witt. He says it simply is the foundation for opportunity in the near future.
Witt believes expanding the RHID district in Emporia could lead to larger interest from future developers as well as the possibility of future businesses moving to the area due to the increase in available housing. Word on when approval from the Department of Commerce may be given is currently pending.
In other business, commissioners approved a design contract with BG consultants for the development of a 24-inch waterline to run concurrently with two existing lines that span across Interstate 35 in Emporia. According to Public Works Director Dean Grant, the new line will convey water from Prairie under I-35 to 18th Ave. and will help alleviate some of the pressure placed on the two existing lines.
He adds, that having the additional line in place would allow the city to replace the existing 20 inch and 16-inch lines in the future without having to reduce the amount of water conveyance in the area.
The estimated cost of the project is just over $2.75 million with the cost of design coming out to $232,075 which is eligible for reimbursement through the city’s second State Revolving Fund loan.
Also Wednesday, commissioners authorized a resolution to participate in the Kansas Opioids Memorandum of Understanding. This will let the city join the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, which will allow the city of Emporia to receive a share of funds received by the state through opioid litigation.
Separately, commissioners tabled an item regarding the acceptance of a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the pre-disaster mitigation grant program. The commission will revisit the item during their next regular action session in two weeks’ time.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene for a study session next Wednesday inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
