Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Heather Morgan briefs Pratt County commissioners on HB 2470, local grants and Opportunity Zones
Summary
Economic development staff Heather Morgan updated the board on House Bill 2470 (countywide neighborhood revitalization eligibility), two utility-valuation bills, Sawyer Gas grant invoicing tied to ARPA funds, and PADEC housing outreach; commissioners said they will monitor developments and follow up as needed.
Heather Morgan delivered the Economic Development update to the Pratt County Board of Commissioners, reporting that House Bill 2470 was introduced to allow Kansas counties with populations under 10,000 to designate the entire county as eligible for neighborhood revitalization programs. Morgan told the board the bill is expected to receive a hearing in the House Tax Committee, but no hearing date has been scheduled.
Morgan also reported two bills related to Northern Natural Gas that would require the Property Valuation Division to study any valuation change for a public utility that exceeds 5 percent year over year. She confirmed the City of Sawyer submitted an invoice to the Kansas Corporation Commission for a grant award tied to the Sawyer Gas Project and raised a question about using ARPA funds for payment, noting the grant funding is technically ARPA-derived. Morgan said federal Opportunity Zone rules are being monitored because Pratt County previously did not qualify and rule changes could alter eligibility. She added that PADEC is moving forward with a housing revitalization grant program and suggested hosting an outreach meeting for developers.
The board asked for continued updates and indicated staff will track hearings and payment procedures. No formal action was taken during the report; commissioners scheduled further review as needed.
