Dear Editor,

I am writing to highlight the significant achievements of Bourbon County REDI over the past several years. Our organization has played a crucial role in driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community development throughout Bourbon County—all while operating at a much lower cost than previous efforts.

One of our key accomplishments was taking over the Pavilion project after the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) stepped back. We formed a dedicated committee that ensured its successful completion, transforming it into a vital community space that hosts local events and fosters civic engagement.

We also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the KRES building by securing Mr. Robert Coon as its new owner and working with him to bring in Mi Ranchito that has greatly enhanced our downtown dining options, created jobs, and boosted sales tax revenue.

In addition, we secured a $400,000 grant for the Eagle Block building, which was essential for clean-up efforts and the preservation of neighboring historic structures. This initiative has spurred business expansion and economic activity, further strengthening our downtown.

Our efforts were instrumental in revising and securing the Horton Street grant, nearly $1 million dedicated to improving one of our most traveled city streets, connecting our community college to the downtown business district. We also facilitated the development of a new office building on the site of the former Brew Haus, which has enhanced the aesthetics of downtown Fort Scott and increased foot traffic to local businesses.

REDI has been a key player in the sale and redevelopment of the professional building adjacent to the hospital, which will be renovated to house new businesses and create jobs. We also supported the transition of the MacDonald Hall building, actively assisting the new owners in securing grants for an incubator kitchen that promises further economic growth in Bourbon County.

Our collaborative efforts helped bring Freeman Health System to the county, working with multiple stakeholders to navigate regulatory and financial hurdles to restore critical healthcare services.

We have also worked diligently on marketing the Value Merchandiser building, exploring innovative uses and engaging prospective buyers to ensure it remains a valuable economic asset.

In 2022, we conducted housing, labor, and retail studies that have guided numerous investment decisions, attracted businesses and driven development across Bourbon County. Our work helped bring Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI) to the community, creating around 100 new jobs at wages above the county average—the largest business attraction in recent memory.

We hosted the first-ever countywide strategic planning session, which identified key issues facing our community. From this, we spearheaded several initiatives, including working with the City of Fort Scott Commission to revitalize the Landbank board, leading to the productive use of several previously vacant lots, and forming a housing committee that has been working hard to create an incentive plan with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County to help bring more housing developers to our communities.

Additionally, we have been instrumental in awarding grant funds to various organizations and communities within Bourbon County, totaling over $150,000. These funds supported quality-of-life projects, including updates to the rodeo arena, park amenities in Uniontown, baseball field improvements in Bronson, a new playground at Kansas Rocks, bike course funds at Gunn Park, and new sidewalks in Mapleton.

We were also instrumental in the awarding of grants to the city of Fort Scott for a new ATV for their fire department and for AEDs that are being placed in several city owned properties to help save lives. Additionally, we supported the Bourbon County EMS by not only writing and helping them be awarded with grants for much needed equipment.

We have also been working closely with BNSF on major infrastructure improvements that would address traffic flow issues between the west and east sides of Fort Scott, crucial for emergency access and overall community connectivity.

Finally, our efforts to support the solar farm developments in Bourbon County will lead to an estimated billion-dollar increase in tax assessments over the next thirty years, providing vital funding for local schools and potentially lowering taxes by up to 80%.

In summary, Bourbon County REDI has achieved a great deal, often where others have struggled. Our work has driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life across the county. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to building on our successes for the benefit of our entire community.