Rachel Carpenter started as the new Fort Scott Employee Relations and Special Project Manager on October 10.
Her office is located in City Hall, and she can be reached at [email protected] or 620-215-2562.
“With three years of experience at The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, I bring a strong background in grant writing, community change, and relationship-building,” she said.
“The City of Fort Scott is engaged in many exciting projects, and I look forward to building on the momentum I see,” she said. “My goal is to bring additional resources and funding to our community and to collaborate with other organizations to foster positive change. After all, we are #BetterTogether.”
Carpenter graduated from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and also holds certificates in Grant Writing, Program Evaluation, and Community Development.
In her role at the City, her responsibilities will include:
Maintaining and monitoring project plans, schedules, scopes of work, budgets, and expenditures
Research, obtain, and monitor grants for projects
Assisting the City Manager with various projects
Meet with project leaders to assess their needs and define project requirements
Preparing budgets
Scheduling stakeholder meetings, documenting discussions, and generating reports
Promoting a positive work culture
Recruit and retain employees
Conducting regular training sessions for employees
October 21, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
October 21, 2024. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Cosmetology Program Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 23, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on October 10, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 39
A. Family and Medical Leave Policy, 39
B. International Student Deposit, 42
C. Employee Handbook Updates, Part 1, 43
ACTION ITEMS, 73
A. Resolution 2024 – 64: Consideration of Contract from Doral LLC, 73
B. Resolution 2024 – 65: Consideration of Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance (Cash Reserves)
Policy, 74
C. Resolution 2024 – 66: Consideration of Sex Offender Notification and Policy, 75
D. Resolution 2024 – 67: Consideration of Financial Responsibility Agreement, 79
REPORTS, 81
A. Administration
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 891
ADJOURNMENT, 90
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 21, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• November 25 – 29, 2024 Campus Closed – Thanksgiving Break
• December 16, 2024 Board Meeting
• December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Campus Closed – Winter Break
• January 20, 2025 Campus Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21, 2025 Spring Semester Begins
• January 27, 2025 (Changed from January 20 due Board Meeting
to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 17, 2025 Board Meeting
• March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting
to spring break)
• March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break
• March 28, 2025 Aggie Day
• April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday
• April 21, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 19, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day
• June 16, 2025 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 23, 2024, and
Special Board Meeting conducted on October 10, 2024
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Halts Sale of Senior Lifetime Pass for Hunting and Fishing
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced today that it has stopped selling the 10-year combination of hunting and fishing licenses for Kansas residents aged 65 to 74. The decision follows the discovery that the statute authorizing the department to sell the licenses at a reduced rate had expired. The licenses were commonly called a Senior Lifetime Pass because after a resident reaches age 75, they are no longer required to purchase Kansas hunting and fishing licenses.
The Senior Lifetime Pass was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2012 through Senate Bill 314 (K.S.A. 32-9,100), along with several other discounted licenses for seniors. In 2023, the other discounted hunting and fishing licenses were made permanent with the passage of House Bill 2039.
“When we discovered the authorization for the Senior Lifetime Pass had lapsed, I instructed staff to stop selling them,” said KDWP Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “All licenses were sold in good faith, and the Senior Lifetime Passes already issued will remain valid. While we must stop selling this pass, we are exploring regulatory and statutory options to offer additional discounted rates for seniors in the future.”
Annual senior licenses for Kansas residents ages 65 to 74 remain available at significantly discounted rates. The Resident Senior Annual Hunting License is $15; the Resident Senior Annual Fishing License is $15; and the Resident Senior Annual Combo license for hunting and fishing is $25.
TOPEKA – This November, Kansas Talking Books invites all eligible Kansans to discover BARD, the free Braille and Audio Reading Download service, and “Be Super Readers.” “NovemBARD” introduces Kansans who cannot read standard print due to visual, physical or reading disabilities to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s (NLS) collection where they will find a variety of books, magazines and music scores, all instantly available with BARD.
With BARD, patrons select from over 150,000 titles in audio and braille formats, allowing them to read or listen anytime and anywhere. BARD can be accessed in multiple ways by Kansans with print disabilities: through the BARD mobile app, BARD Express program for Windows-based computers, or with a web browser to use materials on a digital player provided by Kansas Talking Books.
“The NovemBARD campaign is about empowering our patrons and ensuring they have the tools to explore the limitless world of books,” said Michael Lang, Director of Kansas Talking Books. “BARD provides the freedom to download and access thousands of titles, opening doors to new stories, adventures, and learning. It’s your reading superpower.”
If you are eligible for Kansas Talking Books and want to learn more about BARD, visit library.ks.gov/talking-books/bard or contact the Talking Books team for assistance with setup by phone, 800-362-0699, or email, [email protected]. Kansas Talking Books is committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy reading without barriers.
Join us for NovemBARD and discover how BARD can make you a Super Reader!
Kansas Talking Books, a division of the State Library of Kansas, is a free, statewide library service providing books in accessible formats to eligible persons. Kansas Talking Books is a Regional Network Library of NLS, which is part of the Library of Congress. Learn more about Kansas Talking Books at library.ks.gov/talking-books.
Governor Kelly Announces 2024 Kansas Economic Report, Highlighting Key Points of Growth
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the 2024 Kansas Economic Report shows growth in the state’s labor workforce, continued low unemployment, and record exports. The report, produced by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), comprehensively analyzes the state’s economic health and labor market trends.
The annual publication highlights critical data on employment, unemployment, labor force participation, job growth, personal income, and more, providing an essential resource for businesses, policymakers, and job seekers.
Labor Force Growth: In 2023, Kansas saw a 0.6% increase in its labor force, adding 8,385 individuals and bringing the total labor force to over 1.51 million. The number of employed Kansans reached a record high of 1.47 million, reflecting the state’s resilience and ongoing recovery.
Unemployment Rates: Kansas maintained a low unemployment rate, rising slightly to 2.7% in 2023, still well below the national average of 3.6%. Despite the modest increase, Kansas continues to outperform the national labor market.
Job Market Rebounds: Kansas’ nonfarm jobs surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 1.44 million jobs in 2023. Private sector employment led this growth, adding 23,800 jobs, while the government sector added 3,700 jobs.
Industry and Occupational Projections: Health care, transportation, and computer-related occupations are expected to grow significantly through 2032. Occupations typically requiring a bachelor’s degree are expected to add the most jobs from 2022 to 2032.
Export Growth: Kansas’ export market hit a record of $14.1 billion in sales, driven by growth in the transportation equipment and processed foods sectors. However, exports to Kansas’ top trade partners—Mexico, Canada, and Japan—have declined over the year.
“The growth we are seeing is encouraging and shows the progress made in revitalizing our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This report reinforces my administration’s commitment to making Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”
“Kansas continues to show resilience in its economic recovery, as demonstrated by rising employment numbers and strong job growth in key sectors,” KansasSecretary ofLabor Amber Shultz said. “However, demographic challenges such as a shrinking younger population highlight the need for careful attention to workforce development as we plan for the future.”
The report also discusses long-term demographic trends, citing concerns about the state’s aging population and declining numbers of younger workers, which could pose challenges to future labor force sustainability.
To address those issues, the Kansas Department of Commerce has been working with businesses to attract new talent. It recently launched its Love, Kansas campaign to bring those who left the state back to their roots in Kansas.
“It’s simple: we need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state. And with the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back–we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”
Natalie Peitsmeyer is a new Park Guide at Fort Scott National Historic Site. She began employment in this month.
She is a 30-year retired science teacher.
“During that time, I taught life and physical science classes (grades 8-12). Prior to teaching, I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and summer day camp counselor,” she said.
She attended the University of Colorado at Denver and completed a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master’s in Secondary Science Education, and a Doctorate in Leadership for Equity in Education.
With the new Park Ranger title, comes a variety of duties.
“I open the buildings and exhibits for visitor access. In the visitor center, I provide information about navigating around the National Park site, as well as history significant to the National Park site.”
“I have always loved National Parks,” she said. ” I grew up in an Air Force family and was fortunate to have lived in a variety of places such as Florida, Okinawa and Colorado. I love the outdoors and appreciate uncovering history. The history of Fort Scott National Historic Site is unique to no other National Park. I look forward to sharing its stories, researching its history, visiting with visitors, developing lessons and tours.”
Filling Vacant Positions Has Been Ongoing
Carl Brenner.
“We had an advertisement to fill our two vacant Park Ranger positions that closed last Friday,” said Carl Brenner. Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
“We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob (Holmes New FSNHS Ranger: Robert Holmes) leaves in January. Our goal with Natalie and Rob here is that we will be able to have the buildings open seven days a week once she is trained in the next week or so.”
The Board of Education of USD 234, Fort Scott, Kansas, met for a Board Training Session at their offices at 424 S. Main at 4:00 p.m.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
Michelle Hubbard, Leadership Field Specialist from KASB, was present to work with the Board Members to help in understanding the Board’s role in the district.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
09/09/24 Minutes
09/25/24 Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – September 20, 2024 – $1,673,203.67
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Declare Surplus Property – Vehicles to be sold at auction
Mr. Garzone, Principal at Winfield Scott, recognized two employees that work in the Focus/Sensory Room at the elementary school. Wendy Budd, in her fifteenth year, and Jared McKay, in his seventh year, both were commended for their hard work and passion for the students. They explained how they are Safety Care Trained and work with the students in de-escalation techniques. Their presence is a huge help to not only the students but the staff as well.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on school enrollment from 2023 to September 2024. He also reviewed with the Board the District Values, Vision, and Goals.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a printed report that included updates from all departments such as the district serving 1700 meals a day and prepping the buildings for the colder months.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the Special Education CAT Aid payment. She also reported on the upcoming training for the SPED Teachers that will be held in November.
The Board Approved the following items:
Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA
Frary Field Turf Replacement with Mammoth Sports Constructions
Doral Renewable Contribution Agreement
Superintendent Brown stated that Seat #6 would be open for applications. This opening will be posted in the newspaper for thirty days.
Superintendent Brown updated the Board on the Bus Accident that happened earlier this month and the steps that will be taken to prevent this from happening in the future. He also cleared up some rumors and explained the incident.
There were no comments during public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
Due to the extreme heat and little rain, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high. Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire. Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments. Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.
The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.
It is hereby proclaimed, directed, and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:
All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.
The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]
This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.
Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 15th day of October 2024.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Harris and Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.
Jean Tucker, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Michael Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Pete Owenby, Troy Schell, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Debbi Shepard, Shirley Locke, Deb Martin, and Vance Eden were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting and led the flag salute.
Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/30/2024 and 10/4/2024, approval of payroll totaling $289,779.42, and approval of accounts payable totaling $558,232.10. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for September for approval. Eric stated the fuel report was emailed to the Commissioners and the prices are looking good. Eric said FEMA will be here tomorrow to look at Quadrant One of the county and will be checking repairs, debris removal, and culverts that were replaced. Eric said the sales tax came in a little higher than they thought and he plans to do 3000 feet of Maple Road east of 55th Steet so that they can do preventative maintenance on it next year. Eric stated after they do that, they will put the asphalt equipment up for the year and focus on crack sealing as there are several places that are in need due to the dry weather. Eric said they are hauling gravel and will be taking the screen out to make road rock at the quarry. Eric stated there was some confusion on social media and he wanted to clarify the railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road will be closed Wednesday through Friday according to BNSF. Eric said that the BNSF release noted that they will be working on railroad crossings from Wall Street south into Crawford County. Eric said that he understands residents will be inconvenienced which is why we put the notice out on our website, Facebook page, and the local media sources so that everyone is aware. Eric stated he also contacted the three business in the area of the Jayhawk Road closure. There was road grader training last week which went well and the road graders are working on ditches now to try to improve water flow. Eric stated that there are some areas that look rough and that they will bring in rock if needed. Eric said he was contacted about removing the speed limit sign on Eagle Road between Highway 69 and 255th Street but he is going to wait as there is still gravel that needs to be added to the shoulders to complete the road work. Eric said he attended a Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission safety task force meeting via Zoom and handed out a sheet to the Commissioners to outline what was discussed and stated a comprehensive plan is being put together and there will be grant opportunities later. Eric stated that Bright Speed will move their phone line on 85th Street between Xavier and Yale Roads so that we can finish mowing both sides of the road. Eric stated the area on Xavier Road going up the hill has bedrock showing so they will have to bring in dirt and clay and then lay rock on top of that to fix the road. Eric stated false information was on social media stating that Bourbon County is going to drain Elm Creek Lake and make it into a rock quarry. Eric said that the Commissioners are only going to take core samples on the area in the southeast corner that the county owns to test the quality of the rock to see if a quarry is feasible. Eric reiterated that we are not going to drain nor close Elm Creek Lake.
Sheriff Bill Martin and Eric Bailey discussed the safety committee that the Commissioners asked Eric to form. Sheriff Martin stated last week KWORCC came in and explained the safety committee and what would be needed and required. Sheriff Martin said this is a brand-new program with KWORCC and currently only 6 out of the 80 members have formed a committee. Sheriff Martin stated the savings to the county would be $6,000 per year and the committee would need to consist of at least 6-8 members. Sheriff Martin said the Commissioners will need to decide if we are going to form a safety committee or if we want to wait a year for KWORCC to get the program established. Eric said that they have 12 county employees who have volunteered to be on the committee and that includes public works employees and elected officials. After discussion it was decided to have departments work in house on their safety plans and get an update from KWORCC in six months.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, discussed the upcoming General Election and went over what electioneering is. Jennifer stated that KSA 25-2430 outlines electioneering and defines it as “knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day or advance voting site during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof.” Jennifer explained this means that there cannot be any t-shirts, hats, flags on vehicles, magnets on vehicles, pins, or other wearable advertisement containing a candidate’s name or slogan. Jennifer said that the statue exempts “bumper stickers that are affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.” Jennifer said that any political yard signs near a polling place cannot be within 250 feet of an entrance. Jennifer stated a lot of people do not know about electioneering so she is going to get the information on our website and in the newspapers.
Brandon said that they have been working on getting communication towers put up in the northwest part of the county for several years. Brandon said there is $125,000 in ARPA funds that need to be allocated by the end of the year and suggested using the funds on the communication towers as it will be used to get radio signal for our first responders. Jim said that they need $106,000 for the hospital from the ARPA funds. Jim said that $500,000 total is needed and they are going to use $395,000 from the equipment fund and the rest from the ARPA fund. Jim suggested working with the CFO to look for other funds to put the towers up. Brandon said he would as he wants to get the towers up for our first responders. Jim asked County Counselor Justin Meeks to come in and speak about healthcare.
Brandon made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Justin to speak about healthcare in Bourbon County. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks said they had an unscheduled meeting today with the hospital and other players involved. Justin said that Freeman came into the healthcare discussion in May 2024 because of the work done by KRI and Legacy. Justin said that mid-August during an executive session an issue with equipment was brought up and as of today all equipment will be returned to the facility. Justin said the issue with the title to the building has been resolved and closing should occur within 5-7 business days then KRI can finalize with Freeman. Justin said the only thing left will be for the County to give Freeman $500,000 and the City of Fort Scott will give $600,000. Justin said Freeman will show how the money will be spent. Jim said they had a good meeting at Freeman where they met with the CEO and COO who he stated are excited with the news. Jim said Clifton has been involved in healthcare for three years and wants the public to thank him for his work as he has done a good job.
Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Governor Kelly Announces More than $17M Investment for Energy Grid Resiliency
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 11 Kansas communities have secured more than $17 million for energy grid resilience. This investment combines nearly $12 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s 40101(d) Grid Resilience Grant Program and more than $5.8 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund.
“By leveraging federal funds to supplement our state and local investments, we are strengthening opportunities for economic growth across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The 40101(d) Grid Resiliency program ensures our communities have the resources to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure.”
“The survival and economic development of our rural communities are dependent on a solid infrastructure,” said Representative Troy Waymaster, chair of the Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee. “The awards made through the Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee, and ultimately approved by the U.S. Department of Energy, ensure that these communities will continue to thrive. I am glad these eleven Kansas projects were selected for this program.”
The 11 Kansas projects receiving grid resiliency funding are:
City of Garden City – Underground Conductor and Transformer Replacement
Build Kansas Funding – $302,590
Federal Funding Awarded – $626,048
Total Project – $928,638
City of Pratt – Substation Hardening
Build Kansas Funding – $1,034,551
Federal Funding Awarded – $2,140,449
Total Project – $3,175,000
Victory Electric – South Dodge City Grid Resiliency
Build Kansas Funding – $715,395
Federal Funding Awarded – $1,480,129
Total Project – $2,195,524
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative – Resiliency Enhancements to Strategically Transfer Optimized Reliable Energy
Build Kansas Funding – $200,403
Federal Funding Awarded – $414,627
Total Project – $615,030
Ark Valley Electric Cooperative – System Resiliency Project
Build Kansas Funding – $235,421
Federal Funding Awarded – $487,079
Total Project – $722,500
Holton Electric – Transformer and Feeder Circuit Improvements
Build Kansas Funding – $796,360
Federal Funding Awarded – $1,647,640
Total Project – $2,444,000
City of Blue Mound – Substation, Electric Line & Pole Replacement
Build Kansas Funding – $175,603
Federal Funding Awarded – $270,071
Total Project – $445,674
City of Anthony– Circuit Reconstruction
Build Kansas Funding – $131,161
Federal Funding Awarded – $271,369
Total Project – $402,530
Pioneer Electric Cooperative – Grid Resiliency, Vulnerability, and Innovation Initiative
Build Kansas Funding – $1,575,449
Federal Funding Awarded – $3,259,551
Total Project – $4,835,000
City of Horton – Substation Upgrade
Build Kansas Funding – $529,494
Federal Funding Awarded – $1,095,506
Total Project – $1,625,000
City of Attica – Rebuild High-Voltage Feeder Line
Build Kansas Funding – $143,371
Federal Funding Awarded – $296,629
Total Project – $440,000
“The importance of grid resiliency cannot be overstated,” said Rick Pemberton, energy division director for the Kansas Corporation Commission. “Safe and reliable power infrastructure is vital to our rural economy.”
“Rural Kansas communities do not always have the funding needed to meet the match requirements of large federal grants,” said Matthew Volz, P.E., executive director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. “Having the Build Kansas Fund available can make all the difference in whether or not they can apply for these lucrative federal funding opportunities.”
In addition to these awards, in recent months, the Build Kansas Fund has been used to leverage federal grant awards in the cities of Ozawkie, Manhattan, Russell, Concordia, Dodge City, Topeka, Nortonville, Ellsworth, Edgerton, Hutchinson, Independence; Coffey and Morton County; Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District; and the Salina Airport Authority. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is just over $28.5 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $44 million.
The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to identify best practices for maximizing BIL funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under BIL. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved $200 million for the Build Kansas Fund to provide state-matching dollars to Kansas entities and projects to meet federal-local match requirements.
