In a recent government meeting, the Salina Airport Authority presented three significant applications concerning a property located at the southwest corner of Waterwell Road and Centennial Road. The applications include a request for annexation into city limits, a change in zoning classification, and a proposed preliminary plat for development.

The first application seeks to annex approximately 7,780 acres of land, currently zoned for agricultural use in Saline County, into the city limits of Salina. This property, purchased by the airport authority in 1986, has remained outside city jurisdiction but is contiguous with existing city limits. The annexation aims to provide full municipal services for a proposed industrial subdivision, which includes a warehouse facility. The city’s policy prohibits extending utilities to properties outside city limits, making annexation a necessary step for development.

The second application involves a request to zone the annexed property as I-3, heavy industrial. This zoning classification aligns with the adjacent industrial area to the north, which has been designated for similar uses since 1988. The I-3 zoning would facilitate the development of warehouses and distribution centers, accommodating industrial prospects that cannot be accommodated in the existing industrial park.

Lastly, the meeting addressed a proposed preliminary plat for the same area, which outlines the layout for the planned industrial subdivision. The airport authority's design engineer confirmed that the area could be serviced by existing utilities, including water and sewer connections.

The discussions highlighted the potential economic benefits of the annexation and zoning changes, including increased property taxes and sales tax revenue for the city. The area is designated as a future employment zone in the city’s comprehensive plan, supporting the proposed industrial development.

The commission is expected to deliberate on these applications in the coming weeks, with the potential for significant implications for local economic growth and infrastructure development.