City Commission to hold special meeting Monday

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the application for funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Recovery Act. The money, if awarded, would be used to fund waterline and street improvements.

The public hearing is being held as a requirement when applying for CDBG funding, according to Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner.

"We have to have a public hearing when we apply for a CDBG grant," Turner said.

The initial plan is to replace the existing waterline along National Avenue from 2nd to Wall streets with a new 12-inch waterline. The same will be done on 1st Street from National Avenue to Main Street. To complete the project National Avenue and 2nd Street will then be repaved.

The waterline, in addition to the Wall Street Waterline Project will complete a loop of new waterlines along Wall Street and the downtown area. Turner said this loop will increase water pressure and water flow for fire protection.

Turner said the estimated cost of the project is $460,078 of which $400,000 could be requested for funding. Turner said the remaining $60, 078 is not budgeted and would have to come from the city's reserves.

Citizens will have the opportunity to provide oral and written comments regarding the issue which will be recorded and become part of the city's CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. All requests should be submitted to City Hall by noon Monday. Requests can be made by calling (620) 223-0550.

Turner said the deadline for the application is June 24, the city should receive notification whether the funding will be provided or not by the end of July.

The meeting will be held at noon in the Commission Room at City Hall, 1 E. 3rd St.