Sedgwick County approves $1 million one-time contribution to WSU Tech expansion

Sedgwick County commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to contribute $1,000,000 to WSU Tech FoundationAccelerate, Innovate, Aviate capital campaign to expand aviation and advanced manufacturing training capacity.

Anissa Redd of the countydivision of finance told the commission the contribution would support a proposed 85,000-square-foot training center that is part of a roughly $48,000,000 project designed to house dedicated labs and a professional pilot center. "WSU Tech has seen its enrollment grow dramatically from 1,200 to nearly 9,000 students," Redd said, describing rising local demand for skilled workers in smart manufacturing, robotics and drones.

Deputy CFO Brent Shelton said the $1,000,000 would come from an economic development fund inside the general fund and that the county has sufficient investment funds for a one-time payment. "We do that $1,800,000 in that economic development program within the general fund," Shelton said, noting intra-fund transfers could supplement the allocation if needed.

Commission discussion emphasized workforce and return-on-investment considerations. Commissioners asked about the countys historical role in NCAT (the county previously bonded for an initial NCAT facility and has a remaining bond balance expected to be paid off in 2028) and about the project timeline. Project manager Jonna Hart said the new facility is scheduled to open in January 2027.

Courtney Sendahl of the WSU Tech Foundation said private partners have committed significant support; Textron Aviation is the lead private donor with a $2,000,000 gift. "Textron Aviation was our lead gift," Sendahl said.

Commissioner disclosures were addressed before the vote. Commissioner Meister said he serves on the WSU Tech advisory board and asked whether that required recusal; County Counselor Justin Wagner advised that the advisory role, without compensation or a pecuniary interest, did not create a disqualifying conflict under state law.

A motion to approve the one-time $1,000,000 contribution was made, seconded and adopted by roll call; Commissioners Bluebaugh, Wise, Howe, Meitzner and Chairman Ryan Beatty recorded "Aye." The contribution is a one-time capital payment to the WSU Tech Foundation intended to help fund the campaign and associated facilities.

Next steps: the county will complete the one-time payment and the WSU Tech Foundation will continue to advance private fundraising and construction scheduling; no further county action was recorded at the meeting.