Emporia Seeks $1K Amendment Amid Committee Discussions on Funding Matches

The Build Kansas Advisory Committee meeting on July 22, 2025, highlighted key discussions around funding allocations and procedural updates. A significant point of contention arose regarding the 5% matching fund requirement for community projects, particularly in relation to airport funding. Senator Fagg questioned the adequacy of this percentage, suggesting that airports, which often receive substantial financial support, should contribute more than the current minimum. He emphasized that a higher match could better reflect the financial capabilities of these projects.

In addition to funding discussions, the committee addressed administrative matters, including an amendment for the city of Emporia, which received $1,000 less than initially requested. This adjustment reduced their matching requirement by $1,111, prompting a brief overview of the implications for the treasurer's office.

The meeting also touched on scheduling concerns, with Senator Schallenberger noting confusion about the timing of future meetings. The chair clarified that meetings are typically held monthly, contingent on the volume of applications submitted to the infrastructure hub. This proactive scheduling aims to ensure that the committee reviews applications before they are forwarded to the federal government, maintaining their influence over funding decisions.

Overall, the discussions underscored the committee's ongoing efforts to refine funding processes and enhance community investment in infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on ensuring that all stakeholders contribute fairly.