Committee OKs sports complex land buy
Published on -2/4/2010, 12:10 PM
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By KALEY CONNER
The land acquisition necessary for the city to proceed with a sports complex facility in southwest Hays is one step closer to completion.
The Kansas Senate Ways and Means Committee recommended approval Wednesday of the land acquisition, which now will go before the entire Senate for action.
"I don't see that there will be any problems at all with that," said Sen. Janis Lee, D-Kensington, who serves on the committee.
Legislative approval is necessary for the city to acquire the state-owned land, which is under the jurisdiction of Fort Hays State University. The sale already has passed the House.
Lee said one amendment has been suggested to the bill. As it was written, the sale would not be final until the statute books are published in July.
To save time, it was suggested the sale would go into effect after it is published in the Kansas register, she said.
"It's just to make it happen very soon," Lee said.
The sports complex master plan has $300,500 budgeted for the land purchase, which will be paid for by the project's 0.5-percent sales tax.
Olsson Associates, the project's engineers, are continuing work on a final design plan, as approved by the Hays City Commission on Thursday. That plan calls for six baseball/softball fields, five soccer/football fields, two concession and restroom buildings and a maintenance building, with a grass parking area. Extra amenities are to be added as funding allows.
The goal is to open project bids in March, which could allow for an April groundbreaking, said John Braun, assistant director of public works for the city of Hays.
"Obviously, if the land acquisition isn't finalized by then, we wouldn't award a contract for construction yet or do groundbreaking," Braun said.
The facility should be complete by the fall of 2011.
I think that there are more people in Hays and the surrounding area that would BENEFIT from non profits like DSNWK than a new sport complex!!! Where are these peoples heads when they make decisions like this....
(Posted by: )
why??: 2/4/2010
who gives a rats ass about another sport complex in hays? there are people who need jobs, food, healthcare, etc. why is this a priority? kids can play ball, exercise, ride bikes, and play in any of the existing parks. this is a waste of funds and land.
(Posted by: wastenot)
Whining: 2/4/2010
I believe it went to a vote that supported it - whether you agree or disagree with the project, the majority ruled.
(Posted by: Haysite)
money not well spent: 2/4/2010
Why is there a .5% sales tax available to buy land for a sports complex for people who don't NEED it, but just WANT it, but there is no money for the most vulnerable citizens in the area through DSNWK? I think the needs of all citizens should be met before the WANTS of a few.
(Posted by: person from NW Kansas)
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