With the latest policy in relation to the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus set to be considered by Emporia City Commissioners Wednesday afternoon, Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking discussed the steps taken thus far since the potential project’s announcement two weeks ago.
Cocking’s latest comments on the matter came during the monthly Q&A with Trey segment on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Tuesday morning, where he addressed many of the comments and concerns that have been expressed in recent weeks by those opposed to the development. Specifically, Cocking was asked his response to the common statement that the project is a “done deal” despite leadership stating the opposite, with residents pointing to the previous annexation of land by Emporia City Commissioners as an example of leadership taking steps to accomodate the project.
Cocking would use a previously stated analogy of “baking a cake” to outline the city’s perspective on Tuesday, saying the city is “thinking of baking a cake,” noting the cake has not yet been put in the oven. He elaborated, saying that while the city has not greenlit the project as of yet, it is doing its due diligence to ensure it has the “right ingredients” to accomodate such a project if it were to move forward.
This led KVOE News to ask about an upcoming water usage policy city commissioners will discuss at their upcoming study meeting Wednesday afternoon. Specifically, KVOE News asked how the city could explain drafting such a policy that would clearly be for one entity or project.
Cocking countered by stating that the policy’s development was brought about because of the potential for the data center; however, it is a “blanket policy” that would cover all large water users in the city, adding that the city has previously had certain restrictions for large users, but never a formal policy covering a full gamut of requirements and regulations.
Cocking would go on to clarify that while the city will be discussing the policy Wednesday, no decisions on the matter are expected during the study session. He says any action on the matter would likely come in two weeks at the commission’s next regular action meeting in July.
He would also state that, like the annexation of property two weeks earlier, any action on the policy does not move the project forward; it simply ensures the city has the right safeguards and policies in place to address major concerns, including water usage, which have been expressed by residents. Near the end of the discussion, KVOE News would ask Cocking if this was “not a done deal,” what would constitute a “deal breaker” on the project from the city’s vantage point?
His response, it has to be a fair deal for the entire community.
The Emporia City Commission meeting on Wednesday will come in advance of the special meeting of the Emporia/Lyon County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 23, where commissioners will be discussing a Digital Infrastructure Overlay inside the main arena of White Auditorium at 6:00 pm.
For those with questions or concerns, Cocking invites residents to reach out to him directly by calling 620-343-4250 or by emailing TCocking@EmporiaKS.gov.
