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Chamber reports regional site-selection work; Fort Riley office reports rising PCS numbers and program changes
Summary
Manhattan Area Chamber and Fort Riley staff updated commissioners on regional industrial site-selection work and military-community activity, including increased permanent-change-of-station arrivals and several Fort Riley program transitions.
Darren Solton from Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Christian Bishop (military liaison) briefed the commission on economic development and Fort Riley updates on July 10. Solton said the community is engaging a site-selection consultant to evaluate industrial sites across the metropolitan statistical area and to prepare the region for larger industrial projects.
Nut graf: Solton said the sale and development of land around the airport (an Amazon-related project) has reduced larger publicly owned parcels; a consultant will help the region prioritize and prepare candidate sites for future large industrial prospects. The work will include engineering assessments and cost estimates for infrastructure improvements and is intended to make the region more competitive for expansions and relocations.
On military-community affairs, Bishop reported a sharp increase in new arrivals associated with peak PCS (permanent change of station) season: "Last month, we welcomed... a little bit over 330 soldiers and families ... July has really picked up," Bishop told commissioners. He noted First Brigade began deploying to Europe for a nine-month rotation while other echelons continue missions including support at the southern border. Bishop also updated the commission on Fort Riley programs: the Fort Riley Museum is earmarked for possible closure (no date set), and the commanding general’s mounted color guard is planned for deactivation this month; staff are seeking homes for horses.
Bishop highlighted recent community outreach and workforce connections: a Keep Tour produced job interviews for three transition soldiers after a business-hosted social, and upcoming events include a military family night at the Kaw Valley Rodeo. He emphasized ongoing coordination with state and federal military contacts to ensure Fort Riley remains engaged with the community.
Ending: Chamber and military-affairs staff will return with further details as the site-selection and outreach efforts proceed and as Fort Riley provides updates on program changes and events.
