Commission approves emergency repairs for Commercial Street storm sewer

APAC Kansas awarded $1.17 million contract for 2026 street rehab

City to exchange federal transportation funds for local flexibility

City inks Cedarbrook Meadows deal, paves way for new housing

Upgrades approved for Flint Hills Community Improvement District

Sale of historic tax credits yields $247,000 for city

Cycling group pitches pump track for local park

City, rec center and school district aligning facility reservation policies

Emporia wins 'best tasting water in Kansas' award

Commission approves emergency repairs for Commercial Street storm sewer

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission approved an urgent $235,878 change order to repair a collapsed, century-old storm sewer under Commercial Street near 10th Avenue. City engineering staff noted the original pipe lacked reinforcing steel, causing the walls to cave under lateral pressure. Officials opted to amend an existing contract with the contractor rather than go through a 90-day bidding process, citing the critical need to secure the road ahead of heavy summer downtown traffic and major events like the Unbound Gravel race in late May.

APAC Kansas awarded $1.17 million contract for 2026 street rehab

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission awarded a $1.17 million contract to APAC Kansas for the city's 2026 street rehabilitation project. The agreement includes the base bid and all add-on alternates for mill and overlay work across the city. Construction is slated to begin near Memorial Day and will span roughly 85 working days. City staff noted they will coordinate with the contractor to minimize disruptions near schools and during large community events.

City to exchange federal transportation funds for local flexibility

EMPORIA, Kan. - Commissioners approved an annual agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to exchange the city's federal transportation fund allotment for state funds. Emporia will exchange its $348,558 federal allocation at a rate of 90 cents on the dollar. While the exchange results in a slight reduction in total dollars, city engineers noted that utilizing direct federal aid requires a lengthy development process burdened by restrictive federal requirements. The exchanged funds provide the city with flexible capital to use on local road projects.

City inks Cedarbrook Meadows deal, paves way for new housing

EMPORIA, Kan. - A development agreement for the Cedarbrook Meadows Rural Housing Incentive District was officially approved, paving the way for new housing near West 18th Avenue. Under the pay-as-you-go model, Crosswinds of the Flint Hills LLC, an Oklahoma-based developer, assumes all upfront risks for internal infrastructure. Notably, the agreement caps a portion of district revenues to reimburse the city $750,000 for external public infrastructure. The city will use the funds to repair heavy vehicle damage on 18th Avenue once construction concludes.

Upgrades approved for Flint Hills Community Improvement District

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission authorized up to $155,000 in Community Improvement District funds for lighting and electrical work at the new Flint Hills development, which includes a QuikTrip location. The funds will cover a $27,255 upgrade to steel light poles instead of traditional wood, as well as an estimated $40,000 to bury the electrical conduit underground. The costs will be reimbursed to the developer through the revenues generated by the project's CID.

Sale of historic tax credits yields $247,000 for city

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city of Emporia will receive $247,506 following the sale of historic tax credits related to recent renovations at the municipal auditorium. The project, which included updates to the police department lobby and elevator repairs, cost roughly $670,000. Because the municipal government does not have state tax liability, it auctioned the 40 percent tax credit authorization. A Wichita-based bank submitted the winning bid, and the funds will be returned to the city's multi-year capital fund.

Cycling group pitches pump track for local park

EMPORIA, Kan. - A local cycling advocacy group presented an early-stage proposal to construct a pump track and bike playground, suggesting Whittier Park or Jones Park as potential locations. The group hopes to fund the project through private donations, noting that the Life Time Foundation has already earmarked $40,000 in seed money for the initiative. The city commission expressed support for the concept and authorized the group to move forward with hiring an architectural firm for the initial design phase.

City, rec center and school district aligning facility reservation policies

EMPORIA, Kan. - City officials are reviewing a drafted joint policy aimed at standardizing how sports facilities and ballfields are reserved. The collaborative effort between the city, the Emporia Recreation Center and Unified School District 253 will establish a clear hierarchy for field usage. Under the proposed guidelines, priority will be given to local taxpayer-funded programs, school district athletics and residential sports organizations, ensuring local teams are not bumped from city-owned facilities by out-of-town tournaments.

Emporia wins 'best tasting water in Kansas' award

EMPORIA, Kan. - Representatives from the Kansas Rural Water Association presented the city of Emporia with a trophy for having the "Best Tasting Water in Kansas". The award was announced at the association's annual conference in March. This marks the ninth time Emporia has won the statewide competition since its inception in 2000. The city is now invited to submit a water sample to the Great American Water Taste Test in Washington, D.C., this coming February.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us