BASE Grant Helps Accelerate Plans for Expansion Project
Around the same time that the current industrial park in Washington County was filled, the Department of Commerce announced a new funding program called Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) Grants.
The Washington County Economic Partnership (WCEP) originally intended to allocate a portion of their budget each year to save for an industrial park project. However, with no available vacancies, an expansion was needed sooner rather than later. WCEP proposed a project to purchase approximately 25 acres of land across the road (Kansas Highway 15) from the existing park and convert it into lots equipped with utilities.
Ultimately, in Spring 2022, the project was awarded a grant of $207,222, with another 25% in matching funds from the Washington County Economic Partnership. The BASE program, authorized by the SPARK Executive Committee, was designed to support infrastructure development that addresses economic development opportunities statewide, with the goal of expanding the state’s base of businesses and residents. It is no longer available.
The project scope included land acquisition, installation of utilities, surveying to subdivide for potential business lots, signage, and project administration. The NCRPC provided planning assistance, grant writing, and project administration.
Does your community have a project idea or need? The NCRPC will be releasing a new project interest form in early 2025. Watch for more details to be released soon.
This article appeared in the Quarters 3 & 4 2024 NCRPC Newsletter.
There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. Project Spotlight shares stories from communities around the region and how they solved challenges. View more at www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight.