MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Commission will consider a resolution during its Wednesday meeting authorizing the use of eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire property needed for the McNew Road and Mills Avenue improvement project south of Hutchinson.
According to agenda documents, the proposed resolution is required under the Kansas Eminent Domain Procedure Act before the county can begin condemnation proceedings if property needed for a public project cannot be acquired through voluntary purchase or donation.
Officials said that several easements were necessary for the completion of the McNew Road/Mills Avenue construction project but have not been able to purchase from two landowners because the landowners have declined to accept the county's purchase offer.
The agenda notes delaying the project could have a significant fiscal impact for the county.
If approved, the resolution would authorize acquisition of land by purchase, donation or eminent domain for construction of a paved roadway and related improvements extending from the intersection of U.S. 50 and South McNew Road south to Mills Avenue, then west along Mills Avenue to the intersection with K-96 and K-14. The project covers approximately three miles and includes roadway, subsurface and drainage improvements.
Project background
The McNew-Mills road project is tied to economic development in southern Reno County, including infrastructure improvements associated with the area near Evergy's planned power generation facility and surrounding industrial development. County commissioners approved a services agreement earlier this year to assist with landowner communication and right-of-way negotiations as the project advanced toward construction.
In June, the commission also voted to convert portions of McNew Road and Mills Avenue into county roads as part of the project. County officials have said the improvements are intended to accommodate increased traffic associated with the Evergy facility while supporting future industrial growth in the area.
Commissioners are expected to decide Wednesday whether to approve the resolution, allowing the county to proceed with eminent domain only for the remaining property interests that could not be obtained through negotiations.