Some adjustments are needed as the Emporia Area Chamber Foundation works to bring a 24-7 daycare facility to Emporia.
The funding plan needed an adjustment after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the recipients of almost $44 million in funding through the state’s Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant program. Emporia’s $2 million funding request was not approved.
The Chamber Foundation has a tentative agreement in place with USD 253 Emporia to buy the former Maynard property at 19 Constitution, provided it can secure $3.6 million to $4 million in funds — based on the current agreement. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says the Chamber Foundation and Emporia Child Care Task Force are looking at their next steps, which includes asking the district to extend that agreement for 30 days as part of the district board’s July meeting.
The Chamber Foundation is also gearing up for a smaller-scale project if other grant funding requests aren’t approved or are only partially approved.
Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate, the district’s realtor, has permission to keep the property at 19 Constitution on the market if grant funding is either not fully obtained or not secured at all.
McKenna also says the Chamber Foundation will study the grants that were funded through the state accelerator program and will continue to look for other grants and funding sources.
McKenna says the 24-7 daycare concept has become extremely important, both to families and employers.
Last year, the district had reached a tentative agreement with Simmons Pet Food for an estimated $200,000 as Simmons mentioned plans for a 24-7 daycare facility. Eventually, Simmons withdrew its bid, citing renovation costs.
