Pipeline project slated to begin
WELDA — A $141 million gas pipeline project will begin Monday at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline from Welda to Ottawa, the Anderson County Review reported. The project will construct a new 36-inch gas pipeline along the 31.5 mile route. The second year of the project will remove existing 26- and 20-inch lines currently in service.
Parsons airport receives funding
PARSONS — The Tri-City Airport will receive nearly $1 million of new funding for a new parallel taxiway to connect the existing taxiway with the airport’s runway, according to The Parsons Sun. The city also received a $225,000 grant for new fuel tanks at the airport. The new taxiway will be constructed in 2021. Last year, the city resealed the runway and replaced the beacon thanks to an FAA grant.
Grant will fund sewer project
FREDONIA — The City of Fredonia was awarded $600,000 in Community Development Block Grants to create a wastewater treatment facility. The city will provide $2,219,400 in matching funds through USDA Rural Development.
Labette Co. receives wind farm study
MOUND VALLEY — A wind study committee gave an update on plans that could allow RWE Renewables Development, a German utility company, to develop a wind farm in Labette County, according to The Parsons Sun. The county commission issued a moratorium on wind farm construction until November 2020, to give the committee time to look into wind energy development and regulations. RWE has proposed building a wind farm in the western half of the county.
Garnett eyes housing projects
GARNETT — City officials are pushing for a feasibility study to determine the viability of new housing projects in general, and a new senior housing project in particular, The Anderson County Review reported. Representatives of the Garnett Housing Authority, though, have shown only tepid interest in expanding the city’s housing options in spite of national demographics that show an expanding senior population.
NCCC tuition on the way up
CHANUTE — Neosho County Community College will hike its credit hour tuition costs by $2 to combat rising operations costs and stagnant state funding, The Chanute Tribune reported. Employee health care costs, for example, increased 11% last year. The school’s tuition rate will now be $110 per credit hour for on-campus classes. Students from outside the county will be assessed an additional dollar per credit hour.
Keep wipes out of the sewer system
WAVERLY — The Waverly City Council wants to educate its citizens about the problems associated with flushing wipes into the city’s sewer system, The Coffey County Republican reported. Manufacturers advertise their products as flushable, but they float and cause damage to lift stations. City staff must check lift stations more frequently and repairs are costly. The city plans to begin an advertisement campaign to educate the public about what to flush and not flush.
