Emporia City Commissioners began initial conversations for two major projects within the city limits, one hopefully getting underway this fall.
During the commission’s recent study session, Bruce Boettcher of BG Consultants presented a proposed repair project for the city’s raw water intake and the Neosho river low water dam. According to Boettcher, both were damaged during a major flooding event back in 2019, however, he says the repairs have been needed for some time as the equipment is well over 100 years old.
Commissioners have instructed city staff to begin publication of the project for interested bidders and will officially set a bid date and time for the project next week. It’s uncommon for commissioners to publish the information before an official date is set, however, Boettcher says time is of the essence for the project.
The total cost of the proposed project comes out to just over $1.3 million with the city’s share estimated at just over $580,000, however, there is a possibility it could be significantly less pending FEMA approval. FEMA has approved a base reimbursement for the project putting the city’s total at just over $580,000, however, Emporia Mayor Rob Gilligan says the city is also hoping to conduct some mitigation work to help protect the equipment in the future.
Gilligan says the project will essentially solve a present issue and help prevent future issues.
If FEMA approves reimbursement for the mitigation work on top of the base, the city’s cost will actually be closer to $300,000. Boettcher says he is hopeful they will receive word on FEMA’s decision in the next month.
In other business, commissioners also discussed a new redevelopment project in downtown Emporia. City Special Projects Coordinator Jim Witt says the city would like to redevelop three lots at 714, 716 and 718 Commercial Street into second-floor apartment housing.
According to Witt, this would be the first project under the new RHID program contained within Senate Bill 90. Witt says this could be a game-changer for the city of Emporia.
According to Witt, the major difference between the new and old RHID programs is the new RHID allows for the development of second-story housing whereas the previous version only allowed for new subdivision developments. Discussions on the project will continue in the coming weeks.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene for an action session next Wednesday inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
