Dodge City Commission Summary
Week of July 21, 2026
Commission extends due diligence for New West hotel development
City explores holographic zoo and entertainment venues
Iron Flats Phase 2 development moves forward with plat approval
Industrial subdivision replatted for better marketability
Commission approves Underpass Road drainage improvements following sinkhole
South wastewater project progressing ahead of schedule
City officials to address water usage at electric cooperative forum
Overnight flights to Denver returning to Dodge City
City secures $1.5 million KDOT grant for US 50 intersection
Commission extends due diligence for New West hotel development
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Commission unanimously approved a 60-day due diligence extension for the New West Hotels LLC hospitality development agreement on Tuesday, pushing back the project's closing deadlines to September. City manager Nick Hernandez and city attorney Paige Gilmore noted during the meeting that the delay was primarily associated with the developer transitioning to new legal counsel. Additionally, AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. are currently in the process of relocating their cellular tower equipment from the fifth floor of the building to the roof or outside to accommodate the project.
City explores holographic zoo and entertainment venues
DODGE CITY, Kan. — City manager Nick Hernandez recently traveled to Austin, Texas, to tour entertainment facilities as part of an effort to bring new all-ages attractions to Dodge City. Hernandez updated the commission on his visits to a holographic zoo that offers interactive educational experiences and an indoor entertainment center featuring bowling, axe throwing, laser tag and putt-putt golf. City officials will continue working with developers to assess the feasibility of bringing similar youth and family entertainment options to the local community.
Iron Flats Phase 2 development moves forward with plat approval
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Volz Builders is preparing to expand its single-family residential development in northern Dodge City following the commission's unanimous approval of the Iron Flats Phase 2 plat and a corresponding $96,950 engineering agreement with SMH Consultants. The expansion will create 21 new lots, ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 square feet, and will extend Iron Road to 14th Avenue. City officials noted the development will utilize the Rural Housing Incentive District program, which has been highly successful in addressing local housing shortages over the past 15 years.
Industrial subdivision replatted for better marketability
DODGE CITY, Kan. — To make undeveloped industrial lots more attractive to buyers, the commission unanimously approved a replat of a local industrial business park subdivision in Dodge City. The replat reduces the area from 25 lots to 17 larger parcels, ranging from 3.2 to 11 acres, and eliminates cul-de-sacs and wedge-shaped lots. Planning and zoning administrator Nathan Littrell said the new rectangular configurations and updated traffic patterns will be much more conducive to industrial truck traffic and emergency access.
Commission approves Underpass Road drainage improvements following sinkhole
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a $133,061 engineering agreement with Olsson to design drainage improvements along Underpass Road following a recent waterline break that caused a sinkhole. City engineer Ray Slattery reported that failing corrugated metal pipes caused the issue, which city crews temporarily repaired. Slattery added the new design will explore filling the adjacent open ditch, utilizing a detention pond and potentially partnering with National Beef, which he noted is looking to expand parking on the west side of its facilities.
South wastewater project progressing ahead of schedule
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Repairs and upgrades at the city's south wastewater facility are running ahead of schedule, city engineer Ray Slattery reported Tuesday. All concrete repairs have been finished, and the liner installation in the aerobic treatment area is complete. Slattery noted that the anaerobic area is nearly finished and scheduled for vacuum testing next week, which will keep the major infrastructure project on track for a timely completion.
City officials to address water usage at electric cooperative forum
DODGE CITY, Kan. — City manager Nick Hernandez and commissioner Michael Burns will represent the city at tonight's Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. forum to discuss local water usage and the city's long-term utilities vision. Hernandez informed the commission that the July 21 appearance will allow the city to answer public questions and clarify how Dodge City manages and treats water for large industrial users in the region.
Overnight flights to Denver returning to Dodge City
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Early morning flights to Denver will return to the Dodge City Regional Airport starting Dec. 17, following a schedule change that brings back an overnight aircraft. City manager Nick Hernandez announced that the first United Airlines flight will depart Dodge City at 6:15 a.m., with a return flight arriving back at 10 a.m. before turning around for a second outbound departure to Denver, allowing travelers two flight options before noon. Hernandez noted that the early morning flights historically generated the airport's highest passenger numbers and will be a major economic boost for the community.
City secures $1.5 million KDOT grant for US 50 intersection
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city will receive $1.5 million in financial assistance from the Kansas Department of Transportation to construct improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and 14th Avenue. City engineer Ray Slattery said the improvements were recommended as part of a past transportation study for Dodge City High School, which also recommended a second access point to the campus. The commission voted 4-0, with one commissioner absent, to approve the KDOT agreement, with specific funding stipulations to be determined after the city receives construction bids.
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