City sets public hearing for Heritage District STAR bond expansion

Commission approves new 'continuous flow' design for major intersection

City to acquire right-of-way for 14th Avenue project

Seismic testing approved to locate voids in wastewater embankment

Commission approves $236,672 in additional grout for digester repair

Digester repairs delayed, threatening federal tax credits

City pursuing over $3 million in damages for digester failure

Design firm hired for splash pad application

Groundbreaking scheduled for planned child care center

City sets public hearing for Heritage District STAR bond expansion

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a resolution Monday to set an April 20 public hearing regarding the expansion of the Heritage District STAR bond area. The proposed expansion would include a downtown bank building, the Boot Hill Museum and the block housing the Dodge City Daily Globe building, extending north along nearby downtown streets. With the original Heritage District STAR bonds anticipated to be paid off by late 2026 or mid-2027, the expansion would utilize the remaining eight to nine years on the area's STAR bond designation to fund additional downtown revitalization projects.

Commission approves new 'continuous flow' design for major intersection

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission voted 4-0 to approve a $63,475 addendum with the engineering firm Olsson to redesign the 14th Avenue and U.S. Highway 50 intersection. Following a traffic study, engineers determined a continuous flow intersection would operate with fewer delays than the originally planned traditional intersection widening. The approved funds will cover additional survey work, concept drawings and assistance in securing federal earmarked funds for the larger footprint of the new design.

City to acquire right-of-way for 14th Avenue project

DODGE CITY, Kan. — As part of the newly approved continuous flow intersection at 14th Avenue and U.S. Highway 50, the city will soon begin acquiring private right-of-way property. Ray Slattery, director of engineering, confirmed the city will need to purchase land on the west side of 14th Avenue, both north and south of U.S. 50, to accommodate new left- and right-turn lanes. Slattery said the city has already initiated contact with some affected property owners regarding the upcoming acquisitions.

Seismic testing approved to locate voids in wastewater embankment

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a $52,775 change order with a testing firm for geophysical testing on the northeast embankment of one of the city's anaerobic digesters. Crews will use multi-channel analysis of surface waves — a method similar to seismic testing used in oil exploration — to locate any remaining underground voids and map the extent of flowable fill already pumped into the embankment. The three-day testing process will be funded through the wastewater treatment fund and will guide the final stages of ground stabilization.

Commission approves $236,672 in additional grout for digester repair

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Ongoing stabilization of one of the city's anaerobic digesters will require more material than initially expected, prompting the city commission to approve a $236,672.63 change order with a grouting contractor. Ray Slattery, director of engineering, said the compaction grouting process has consumed more flowable fill than estimated because the roof of the embankment collapsed into the void, preventing the use of cheaper bulk fill. The funds will also cover the installation of 14 additional compaction grout borings and new grout curtains at the toe of the slope paving.

Digester repairs delayed, threatening federal tax credits

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Repairs to one of the city's anaerobic digesters have pushed the project's operational timeline back to the third or fourth quarter of 2026, causing concern among city officials. Ray Slattery, director of engineering, said that once ground stabilization is finished, crews must still repair the concrete, install a liner and conduct testing before the digester can accept wastewater flow. The delays are pushing the city close to a deadline required to remain viable for federal Inflation Reduction Act credits tied to the facility.

City pursuing over $3 million in damages for digester failure

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city is preparing for potential litigation to recoup costs associated with the structural failure of one of the city's anaerobic digesters, with damages currently exceeding $3 million. During Monday's meeting, city officials said outside legal counsel has taken the lead on identifying potentially liable parties and is scheduling meetings with the city's engineering department. The city commission expects to receive more information regarding the potential legal action in the coming weeks.

Design firm hired for splash pad application

DODGE CITY, Kan. — City commissioners took the first step toward bringing a new splash pad to Thurow Park by approving a $9,000 preliminary design agreement with a design firm. The initial funding will cover site surveying and a preliminary engineering report, which are mandatory components of the city's upcoming Community Development Block Grant application. If the state awards the grant, the city will pay the firm an additional $136,000 to complete the detailed design and construction documents for the splash pad, a water stream feature, playground equipment and restroom facilities.

Groundbreaking scheduled for planned child care center

DODGE CITY, Kan. — A planned child care center will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, at a site on McCarter Street. The public is invited to attend the event, which marks a step in expanding local child care options and will be followed by a partner luncheon.

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