Economic development staff told the board on Jan. 12 that the county posted an RFP for engineering services related to the RAISE Trails grant and received four proposals; staff recommended forming a three-person subcommittee (staff + 1–2 commissioners) to score and recommend a consultant when the federal grant agreement is signed. The federal project officer has not yet signed the grant agreement, but staff said having a preferred firm ready would expedite work once the agreement is executed.

The Economic Development Director, Ginny Tapman, also reported ongoing regional outreach related to a potential nuclear energy site (Natrium/TerraPower) and said the county is drafting a regional letter of support for review by commissioners. Tapman said the county would continue site and workforce discussions with engineering firms and regional partners.

On housing, staff described outreach to the Gridley senior housing group (about 11 low-rent houses) and identified possible grant resources (Emporia Community Foundation, county grant programs) and local partners to assist with turnover/refurbishment funding; staff offered to help with grant-writing support.

Heidi Harris and staff asked for authorization to advertise an RFP for Coffee County airport planning. The board approved the airport planning RFP motion by voice vote (5-0). Separately, staff requested and the board approved waiving zoning fees for a special-use permit for a material storage laydown yard, and later authorized solicitation of agricultural pasture-lease bids with a Feb. 13, 2026 deadline for submissions.

Staff said they would continue to follow up on grant signatures, regional outreach and housing contacts and return with recommended next steps as federal and state processes move forward.