Unified Government of Wyandotte County, KC, KS 
ENews Source    
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
 
This Week In Kansas City, Kansas
Zeolyst Expansion Means New Jobs
Kansas a 'Top 10' for Business
More Big Beams Coming to Wizards Stadium
Legends Officials Announce New Stores
Economic Recovery Zone Funding Authority
Donahoo Road Closing
Two Bridge Repair Projects Will Affect Traffic
Homeowner Efficiency Rebate Program Update
Seminar Series on Small Business Resources
Sellers of Motor Vehicles and Boats Can Get Tax Bill Prorated
Career and Resource Expo
UG is Now on Twitter
UG is Now on Twitter
Upcoming Meetings
Your Kansas City
3-1-1 Call Center

 Zeolyst Expansion Means New Jobs

Zeolyst Representatives at Commission MeetingWyandotte County's Zeolyst International will add 43,000 square feet to its existing 1700 Kansas Avenue location in 2012-2013. The expansion will give the global producer of specialty zeolites, and a synthetically produced mineral, the ability to add 33 new jobs to its Kansas City, Kansas facility and bring $83 million in capital investment, including roughly $20 million in local real estate improvements, to Wyandotte County.
 
Established in KCK in 1988, Zeolyst International has grown to become an international leader in high-performance zeolites, catalysts and absorbents, which uses include removing pollutants from air streams, and petroleum refining, petrochemical production. 
 
Zeolyst Representatives"Zeolyst International has been a successful business in Kansas City, Kansas for more than 22 years," said Mayor Joe Reardon. "Their expansion announcement comes at a critical time for us as we seek to create new jobs in this challenging economy. We appreciate the commitment the company has made to Wyandotte County as they continue to grow in this highly specialized industry."
 
"It is extremely important for Wyandotte County to remain as one of best places for advanced manufacturing companies, like Zeolyst, to call home," said Wyandotte Economic Deelopment Council President, Brent Miles. "Our support for these companies, through incentive programs and packages, shows to the nation our level of commitment to keeping these companies happy in our county. It's an extra bonus for us to help them boost the eastern portion of the county through the capital investment their project brings to that area."
 
"Our relationships with the leaders and agencies representing Wyandotte County in our expansion initiative have enables us to remain focused on that objective. Their direct attention to our location expansion needs have made this process swift and advantageous to all parties involved," said John Lau, General Manager of Zeolyst.
 
"We're excited that Zeolyst International has decided to expand its facility in Kansas City, Kansas," said Bill Thornton, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. "When a company such as Zeolyst chooses to grow in Kansas, it says a lot about our business climate and our workforce. We thank the company for its commitment to Kansas."

Kansas a 'Top 10' for Business
Kansas has been named a Top 10 state in eight of 20 categories in Business Facilities magazine's 2010 Rankings Report.
 
The annual Rankings Report rates the 50 states on their economic development efforts with an emphasis on states that are leading the way in emerging industries such as alternative energy. Kansas was a Top 10 state in the following categories:
  • Economic Growth Potential (10)
  • Biotechnology Strength (5)
  • Biofuels Manufacturing Research (10)
  • Alternative Energy Industry (10)
  • Wind Energy Manufacturing (3)
  • Quality of Life (3)
  • Employment Leaders (5) 
  • Best Education Climate (3)
This is Kansas' best-ever finish in the Rankings Report, which is designed to be a state-by-state barometer of the national economic outlook. Business Facilities billed this year's report as the "Recovery Report," a reference to the states that are leading the nation's economic recovery. Wyandotte County is a major contributor to Kansas' success with more than $1-billion in economic expansion projects undwerway, including the Cerner Corporation Office Complex.

More Big Beams Coming to Wizards Stadium

More giant steel beams for the roof of the KC Wizards Soccer Stadium will be hauled into Village West in the coming weeks.
 
The huge, custom crafted beams will be shipped from Ottawa to Wyandotte County one at a time on large trucks. Several pilot cars will escort the trucks up I-35 to westbound I-435 in Johnson County, then north to the construction site.
 
Crews are scheduled to deliver one beam per day, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. There are a total of 21 beams to be delivered. The completed delivery date for all beams ismid-September. Drivers are asked to be patient and take it slow when travelling near the vehicle procession.

Legends Officials Announce New Stores

Legends officials are announcing two new premier stores at the center.

 Legends Wide Shot

The LOFT Outlet is a concept by Ann Taylor stores that is set to open this fall. The other newcomer is Christopher & Banks, a specialty women's clothing retailer serving the baby boomer woman. It is the first Kansas area location for Christopher & Banks which has 800 stores in 46 states.

Economic Recovery Zone Funding Authority

The Unified Government received notice this week from the Kansas Department of Commerce of $10,795,000 in funding authority for eight approved CMIP street and sewer projects.

 
These Economic Recovery Zone bonds will be issued prior to year-end. The advantage to the government is a 45% interest-payment credit. This credit significantly reduces the effective interest rate on the financing.

Donahoo Road Closing

Donahoo Road from 126th Street to 129th Street will close for more than a week for construction of a stromwater line and culvert. The road will close Wednesday, August 25 at 9am until Friday, September 3 at 5pm.

Two Bridge Repair Projects Will Affect Traffic

Two bridge repair projects will impact traffic during the month of September. The first is on the K-32 bridge over the Kansas River. Crews will be replacing expansion joints which have been covered by metal plates. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane each direction. Work is set to start September 7 and will continue for about one month.
 
The second project replaces bridge expansion joints on I-70 where the ramps connect to eastbound I-70. Phase one of the project will close the Fairfax Trafficway ramp onto eastbound I-70. Washington Boulevard eastbound will be close the duration of the project. The work is scheduled to begin September 14 and continue into mid October. 

Homeowner Efficiency Rebate Program Update

On June 29, 2010, the Unified Government launched a federally funded Homeowner Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, which was established to encourage Kansas City, Kansas homeowners to become more energy efficient by offering financial incentives to those who upgrade or replace home appliances with Energy Star units. 
 
The average rebate amount is approximately $100 per voucher, with a maximum rebate of $500 per household. To date, there have been 203 vouchers issued. Based on the zip code information collected, the program is being utilized by all areas of the city and has generated sales of $59,238 and sales tax of $5,796. 
 
Vouchers can be obtained at the Clerk's Office West on the second floor of the Courthouse.  Also, because the Appraiser's Office has volunteered to be an added distribution site, vouchers can be obtained at the Annex, 82nd and State Avenue.

Seminar Series on Small Business Resources

KCK Chamber of CommerceThe UG's Purchasing Department has been hold a seminar series on small business resources has been taking place on consecutive Wednesdays at 3 pm throughout the month of August.
 
The Purchasing Department talks to small businesses and host various resources to talk about their services for small businesses. There is no charge to attend the series of meetings, but you must register by email to [email protected] or call 913-573-5443 for information.

Sellers of Motor Vehicles and Boats Can Get Tax Bill Prorated

Wyandotte County residents who have sold motor vehicles or watercraft are urged to contact the Wyandotte County Appraiser's Office so property records can be updated to reflect the sale and tax bills can be prorated.
 
Kansas state law (K.S.A. 79-306d) outlines the procedures used to list and value motor vehicles that are not taxed at the time the vehicle is registered.  This applies mainly to trucks that have a tag weight over 12,000 pounds or are titled as a non-highway motor vehicle.
 
Proration does not apply to mopeds, golf carts, vehicles registered as antiques, commercial/industrial machinery and equipment, ATV's, trailers and various other tax roll assets.
 
Notice of the sale of a watercraft must be provided to the Wyandotte County Appraiser's office on or before December 20 of the year of such sale (K.S.A. 79-306e) in order to be prorated.
 
Taxpayers can call 913-573-8400 or go in person to the Appraiser's Office at 8200 State Avenue, KCK.

Career And Resource Expo

Jobseekers will have the chance to connect with employers at the Opportunities 2010 Career and Resource Expo September 21. The event will be held at the Reardon Convention Center, 5th and Minnesota from 9am to 1pm. The first hour is dedicated exclusively to veterans. There is no cost to employers who participate nor to job seekers.
 
The event is being sponsored by the Unified Government in partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn, KANSAS WORKS, KCK Community College and Technical Education Center, KCK Public Schools, The Builders' Association, Workforce Partnership, and the YWCA of KCK.

Road Construction

Road ConstructionBased on information provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation, the UG is able to provide motorist with a list of roads and highways that are scheduled for construction.
This information can be useful to prepare individuals, commuting to and from work, with early warnings on minor delays. This also encourages drivers to use alternate routes due to lane and ramp closures.

Visit the KDOT website for up to date information on lane and ramp closures:

www.ksdot.org/kcmetro/laneclose.asp

KDOT Logo
Kansans invited to participate in statewide transportation workshops
A series of workshops to discuss T-WORKS, the state's new transportation plan, will begin next week in Wichita.
 
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will host four in-person workshops and one webinar over the next three weeks to provide information about T-WORKS and to help communities and individuals get organized for the local consult meetings which will be held in each KDOT district this fall. 
 
The same information will be presented at each workshop, which will include an overview of T-WORKS, an update on the Local Consult process, as well as concurrent sessions on: Local Consult, Practical Improvement, Fund Exchange, Aviation, Transit, Rail and Economic Development.
 
"I encourage all Kansans with an interest in transportation to attend one of the upcoming workshops,"   said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Deb Miller. "As we move closer to selecting projects that will be constructed under T-WORKS, it's critical that we continue discussions with Kansas communities and transportation stakeholders so that we can make the most of our transportation funds by stretching the dollars as far as possible.  These workshops will provide communities the information they will need this fall as the process continues."
 
The workshops will be held:
  • Aug. 23 Wichita Holiday Inn Rock Road ( 549 Rock Road) 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Aug. 24 Dodge City Dodge House Hotel & Convention Center  (2408 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd) 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Sept.  1 Olathe Holiday Inn (101-West 151st St.) 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 2 Pittsburg Lamplighter Inn (4020 Parkview Drive) 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 7 Webinar For more information and to RSVP please e-mail [email protected] 10 a.m. -11 a.m. - Overview 

Public Open House Scheduled for K-7 & I-70 Interchange Project

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is holding a public open house to discuss the current status of the K-7 and I-70 Interchange in Bonner Springs.  The public meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25 at the Bonner Springs High School (100 McDanield, Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012).  Short, identical presentations will be given at both 5:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.
 
KDOT has identified the funding needed to complete final design plans for Phases 1-3 of the interchange and construction of the Riverview Avenue and 118th Street Bridges, including realignment of 122nd Street and Riverview Avenue (Phase 2).  Construction for Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in late 2012.  The open house style format will allow area residents, businesses, and commuters to review detailed project maps, listen to a presentation, and provide comments anytime during the evening.  KDOT staff, along with consultant team members, will be on hand to answer questions and discuss issues and/or concerns.
 
The display materials will show KDOT's progress to-date on the final design plans for the first three phases of the interchange.  Phase 1 improvements include the addition of a new traffic signal at the intersection of K-7 and Speaker Road, the addition of a loop ramp to both the northwest and southwest quadrants of the existing K-7 and I-70 interchange, and the removal of the overpass and existing I-70 ramps from the southeast quadrant of the interchange.  Phase 2 involves rebuilding bridges over I-70 at Riverview Avenue and 118th Street and realigning 122nd Street and Riverview Avenue.  Phase 3 will shift I-70 to the south and widen it to six lanes between K-7 and 110th Street.
 
There is currently no funding for design plans or right-of-way acquisition for the remainder of the ultimate 10 phases of the interchange, or the construction of any improvements other than the bridge and realignment work in Phase 2.  When additional funding becomes available, Phase 1 is anticipated to be the next phase that will be constructed.
 
The ultimate K-7 and I-70 Interchange project will respond to the area's increasing traffic demands and economic development needs, while improving safety.  In response to congestion issues, KDOT constructed a second left turn lane onto southbound K-7 from the I-70 exit ramp and added new traffic signals at the intersection of K-7 and Canaan Drive in 2009.
 
Throughout the interchange design process, KDOT will examine: what growth, development, and traffic is happening at the interchange TODAY, what may occur in the future (TOMORROW), and how KDOT can work TOGETHER with the community to complete the design and plan for construction of the new interchange as the final design in developed.
 
For more information, visit the project website at www.k7andi70interchange.org.  If you require a sign-language interpreter or other communication aids at the meeting, please call Kimberly Qualls, KDOT Public Affairs Manager at (785) 296-3881 at least one week in advance of the meeting.

Unified Government of Wyandotte County, KC, KS

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To view standing committee and full commission agendas and minutes, go to the Unified Government Website at www.wycokck.org.

Ordinances, meeting Agendas and Minutes are available and readily accessible on the Internet. So it's easy to find items and actions the Unified Government Commission and its Standing Committees are taking.
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Upcoming Events
 Board of Commissioners meeting in Commission Chambers
Full Commission Meeting
on Thursday, 
 September 16, at
 7:00 pm in the
Commission Chambers
 
 Planning and Zoning Meeting 
 on Thursday, 
August 26, at 7 pm in the Commission Chambers
Upcoming Events
Board of Commissioners meeting in Commission Chambers
Full Commission Meeting
on Thursday, August 19, at
 7:00 pm in the
Commission Chambers


 Planning and Zoning Meeting 
 on Thursday, 
August 26, at 7 pm in the Commission Chambers
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