Kansas House Approves Regional Investments in Statewide Infrastructure, Economic Development
The Kansas House of Representatives has approved HB 2273, the House budget proposal, which contains a holistic economic development package, intended to address every region of the state.
The package provides aid to communities across Kansas using non-State General Fund (SGF) sources to address various concerns such as highway infrastructure, healthcare, law enforcement resources and economic development.
Using remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds and the Rural Housing Revolving Loan Fund, the House appropriated $16.5 million for the northwestern region of the state. These funds will be allocated to retail development projects in Colby and Hays, housing construction projects in Atwood, Russell and Sharon Springs, and a public-private partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for reducing housing costs.
In southwestern Kansas, $6 million from the State Highway Fund (SHF) will be appropriated for the improvement and maintenance of county roads in Seward, Meade, Hamilton and Hodgeman Counties. Due to the tremendous growth of the dairy industry in the region, these investments in the highway infrastructure will improve safety and efficiency in the area while enabling future growth.
An additional $54 million in remaining ARPA funds will go toward projects in south central Kansas including $30 million for the construction of the University of Kansas and Wichita State University Biomedical Campus in Wichita, $20 million for the renovation of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Hutchinson and $4 million for energy infrastructure in Barber and Pratt Counties.
In southeastern Kansas, $40 million in bonding authority over two years will go toward the construction of a new Kansas Bureau of Investigation forensic laboratory on the Pittsburg State University campus.
Lastly, $28 million in remaining ARPA funds will be allocated over two years in northeastern Kansas for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup Tournament.
"As part of the Republican Better Way legislative agenda, House Republicans cemented our commitment to fostering a strong Kansas economy and ensuring our state is the best place to live, work and raise a family. These key investments will enable widespread opportunity and prosperity throughout the state, delivering on the Better Way goals. I appreciate the hard work of the House Appropriations Committee to prioritize all areas, both urban and rural while using this one-time federal funding to benefit Kansans long-term," said House Speaker Dan Hawkins.
"The appropriation of funds for this economic development package is critical in balancing the development of all regions in our state and provides a better way forward for Kansas. The projects in this package will enhance the quality of life in Kansas through greater opportunities for housing, new economic activity and improvements to our law enforcement. I am proud to see this package included in House Bill 2273 after heading efforts on it with members of the executive branch, fellow legislators and community leaders," remarked State Representative Troy Waymaster, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
"The dairy industry expansion in southwest Kansas is a game changer for our economy. These $6 million will improve and maintain county roads impacted by new or expanding dairies, which is critical for southwest Kansas counties like Seward, Meade, Hamilton and Hodgeman to meet the demands on their infrastructure from this expansion," commented State Representative Shannon Francis.
"Lifting up our smallest, rural communities with the resources they need to thrive continues to be a priority for the Republican-lead Kansas House. I'm proud to fund the much-needed infrastructure for several communities in south central Kansas who find themselves in a natural gas desert, ensuring our communities will have a secure natural gas service for years to come," said State Representative Kyle Hoffman.
(Information courtesy Representative Waymaster's Office.)