June 21, 2006

Governor commends Ft. Riley regional planning efforts
Planning efforts for influx of soldiers, families to receive $763,000 federal grant

As local communities and state officials work to ease the transition of soldiers and their families to Ft. Riley, Governor Kathleen Sebelius commends the region’s planning efforts which today were awarded a $763,000 grant from the Department of Defense.

“First during Base Realignment and Closure process, and now with our work to ease the transition to the Ft. Riley area for these soldiers and families, we’ve cooperated with local governments and the private sector,” said Sebelius.

“This assistance will help us continue our work to prepare the Ft. Riley area to welcome thousands of new residents,” she continued.

The grant will be used to develop a Flint Hills Regional Growth Coordination Plan. That plan will help state and local leaders direct local growth and coordinate services in an efficient and effective manner that both protects the environment and maximizes local resources.

Partners in the region include Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie counties and the cities of Junction City, Manhattan and Wamego. These local partners will match the grant funds with $84,855 in local dollars, and the City of Manhattan will serve as the grant sponsor for the regional group.

The growth plan will contain a regional assessment of current conditions, anticipated future impacts and needs, and identify and prioritize actions to accommodate the anticipated growth with respect to housing, education, utilities, public safety, health and social services, transportation and quality of life issues.

“The growth in the Fort Riley region will increase the economic impact to the area by $1.25 billion, and the new residents will spur growth in a wide range of industries and areas. We want to be sure that growth is well-coordinated, and this grant will be a boost to our local planning efforts,” said Lt. Governor John Moore.

Moore serves as chair of the Governor’s Military Council and the Lt. Governor’s Accommodation Task Force has been leading an effort since December 2004 to coordinate regional efforts to prepare for the new troops and their families arriving to Fort Riley while preserving the quality of life in the area.

Leaders hope the plan will serve as the foundation for establishing a formal regional planning organization.

This Planning Assistance Management Grant was awarded through the Office of Economic Adjustment in the Department of Defense.