City prepares $35.6 million capital improvement plan for 2027

New pedestrian crossing proposed for 12th and Bluemont

Permanent pedestrian signal planned for 14th and Poyntz

Public works seeks locations for new snow removal salt domes

Aggieville trash consolidation sparks funding debate

Wastewater treatment plant expands biosolids fertilizer program

Airport to upgrade critical voice communication systems

Sunset Zoo prepares for $8 million privately funded expansion

City prepares $35.6 million capital improvement plan for 2027

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city commission reviewed the proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines $35.6 million in upcoming infrastructure and community investments. City staff highlighted that the plan heavily leverages external funds, utilizing $19.8 million in grants and private funding — representing about 55 percent of the total budget — while utilizing $11 million in local cash and financing the remainder. The comprehensive plan covers a wide range of projects across various departments, including major airport upgrades, water and wastewater improvements and ongoing street maintenance funded by a recently renewed local sales tax.

New pedestrian crossing proposed for 12th and Bluemont

MANHATTAN, Kan. — To address a high rate of severe traffic accidents, the Public Works Department presented a design for a staggered, signalized pedestrian crossing at 12th Street and Bluemont Avenue. Public Works Director Brian Johnson reported 25 total accidents at the intersection between 2016 and 2020 and six injury accidents in the past four years, including two hospitalizations. The new crossing design features a central safety island requiring pedestrians to physically turn and face traffic before crossing the second half of the street. Johnson noted this design significantly reduces red-light wait times for drivers while improving visibility and safety for walkers heading to Aggieville.

Permanent pedestrian signal planned for 14th and Poyntz

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city has allocated $250,000 in the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan to install a permanent pedestrian signal at 14th Street and Poyntz Avenue, a primary crossing for students attending Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. The intersection has relied on a temporary signal since a windstorm brought down the original 1950s-era poles. While a recent traffic study found the intersection does not meet the minimum volume warrants for a full traffic light, the city is exploring options such as a pedestrian hybrid beacon to maintain a safe crossing for the neighborhood.

Public works seeks locations for new snow removal salt domes

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Following a windstorm last June that destroyed one of the city's salt storage structures, the Public Works Department has budgeted $500,000 to construct two new turnkey salt domes. However, the city is still actively negotiating to find suitable land for the structures, as existing city-owned properties face logistical constraints such as floodways or inadequate space for semi-truck turning radiuses. Until the new facilities are constructed, snowplow operators will rely on a single remaining dome, which may increase driving time for trucks reloading during winter storms.

Aggieville trash consolidation sparks funding debate

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A proposed $1.5 million project to consolidate more than 80 trash receptacles in Aggieville into five high-capacity compactors drew debate over its funding sources. While city staff and the Aggieville Business Association championed the project for improving sanitation, public health and safety in the district's alleys, commissioners questioned how the estimated $5,000 to $6,000 monthly collection fees would be covered. Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers suggested utilizing the city's transient guest tax, noting that tax increment financing funds are currently maxed out by the district's parking garage. However, some commissioners argued that local businesses, rather than local taxpayers or visitors, should bear the ongoing disposal costs.

Wastewater treatment plant expands biosolids fertilizer program

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A $75,000 project will extend the wastewater treatment plant's biosolids distribution network, allowing the city to apply liquid, nutrient-rich fertilizer to a newly acquired 20-acre agricultural tract and neighboring farmland. City officials noted that the biosolids program is highly economical, eliminating the need to truck waste off-site while generating between $200,000 and $300,000 annually in revenue through a local sharecropping partnership. Recent corn yields on fields utilizing the city's biosolids produced nearly 30 bushels per acre more than adjacent fields using commercial fertilizer.

Airport to upgrade critical voice communication systems

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Regional Airport is slated to replace the Voice Communication and Control System in its air traffic control tower, a critical component that facilitates communication between local controllers, pilots, Fort Riley's Marshall Army Airfield and the Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center. Airport Director Brandon Keazer explained that the existing system, installed in 2016, is nearing the end of its 10-year useful life and features an essential 15-second playback function used for safety clearances and controller training. Additionally, Keazer confirmed that the $15 million, federally funded reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha will begin in March with no expected impact on commercial or private flight operations.

Sunset Zoo prepares for $8 million privately funded expansion

MANHATTAN, Kan. — An estimated $8 million expansion is on the horizon for Sunset Zoo, featuring new habitats for lemurs, bobcats, flamingos, maned wolves and anteaters, alongside a new contact barn and restroom facilities. The improvements are fully funded by the Sunset Zoo Foundation, with the city anticipating a guaranteed maximum price and a construction kickoff in the early spring of 2027. The project represents a major continuation of the zoo's master plan and requires no local tax dollars for its design or construction.

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