through financial incentives designed to stimulate new construction and property renovation. The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan operates countywide, offering tax relief for both residential and commercial properties. “Most counties have some kind of housing problem,” Bogner observes. “This should give incentives to keep up appearances and renovations that should help housing last longer.” Partnership approaches characterize the county’s housing strategy.“If it’s in the city of Hutchinson, if it’s a housing development of nine or more houses, they can get some money to help with the infrastructure from the county,” Partington explains. Smaller cities qualify with four-home developments. First-time homebuyers in these developments receive $5,000 toward closing costs. Housing partnerships exist with the South-Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) and Interfaith Housing to help with housing renovations county-wide. The Hutchinson Community Foundation is also active in partnerships with SCKEDD and Interfaith Housing. The Make My Move partnership expands benefits to out-of-state relocators, offering the $5,000 down payment assistance plus approximately $4,000 in amenity packages from local businesses.“It’s not all government,” Bogner emphasizes. Regular meetings with municipal mayors help coordinate efforts across jurisdictions. LOOKING AHEAD WITH BILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENTS AND MEGA PROJECTS The largest private investment in Reno County’s history will reshape the regional economy over the next decade. Evergy recently received approvals to build three natural gas plants: two in Kansas and one in Missouri, and two solar farms, one in each state, allowing the company to move forward with the projects that will cost more than $2.75 billion. Evergy’s natural gas power plants and solar farms signals confidence in the area’s long-term prospects and creates a foundation for additional industrial growth. “There have been some announcements that have been made here recently,” Bogner notes. The Chamber has worked very hard on this. Evergy’s new electric plant that will bring in a lot of jobs, both temporary and long-term jobs.Along with that, there’ll be construction jobs for a while.” The two 710-megawatt facilities, located in Sumner and Reno counties, are expected to cost $788.75 million and $800.52 million, respectively. The Reno facility will generate over 500 construction positions and 20 to 40 permanent skilled positions. “They have committed to building the electric generation facility that will generate over 700 megawatts of power every year, with an expected operating date in 2029,” Teufel explains. After a The first “Official” Kansas State Fair was held September 13-20, 1913, and has evolved over the years to provide an opportunity for Kansans to enjoy agriculture, entertainment, educational programs, and an opportunity for commercial activity. 61 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 RENO COUNTY, KS
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