K-96 Corridor Development Association Inc.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

          CONCEPT FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION

With all of the original tasks outlined in the Economic Development Plan essentially completed, it is an appropriate time to consider the future activities, programs and directions for the future of the K-96 Corridor Development Association. During this initial two years of initial operation of the Association, the communities have all taken actions to prepare their respective communities for future development.

Attached is the Strategic Directions document presented at the Board of Directors meeting on June 13, 2008. It was generally agreed to move forward with the development of concepts and actions that would be appropriate for the future.

While the Strategic Directions document outlines six strategic directions to be addressed in the future, the focus on marketing the corridor, its communities and it’s opportunities is believed to be the highest priority. During the year of 2009, marketing will take center stage and will consist of aggressive actions in such areas as branding the corridor for marketing, development of a web site that provides detailed information on all of the resources, assets and opportunities along the corridor.

These marketing actions would not be taken in isolation and existing economical development organizations (i. e. GWEDC & Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce) would continue to serve as the professional support groups in assisting in recruitment of new businesses and retention of existing businesses.

Under this concept outlined above, an executive director position would continue to serve under a services contract arrangement and would perform functions of administration, coordination and marketing for the Association. A general outline of responsibilities as well as proposed levels of funding for marketing and administration is included as an attachment following the Strategic Directions Implementation Plan.

K-96 Corridor Development Association Inc.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Maintain Community Coordination and Cooperation

Strive for Orderly and Compatible Land Use and Development

Seek Balanced Economic Development

Encourage a High Quality of Development Appearance and Design

Preserve Open, Natural Areas and Agriculture

Ensure Safe and Varied Transportation

STRATEGIC DIRECTION # 1

Maintain Community Coordination and Cooperation

Community cooperation in planning and implementation of these strategic directions should continue through partnerships and cooperative agreements

Guiding Principles:

1. Continue meetings between corridor governing body representatives to coordinate specific plans and projects

2. Association will continue to assist in coordinating the implementation of these goals and recommendations and annually report to its membership the status of these efforts

3. The Association will continue to serve as a forum for informing member communities and the public about major developments along the corridor

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions for Strategic Direction # 1:

1.  Use the existing K-96 Corridor Development Association as the organizational structure for continuing regular coordination and cooperation of the corridor communities.

2. Recruit additional private membership in the Association

Goals

1 Conduct quarterly meetings with specific agenda items dedicated to:

(a) Development and activities in their respective communities

(b) Issues and concerns being encountered with their communities

(c) Discussion of solutions used by other corridor communities or other communities in the area and state.

(d) Special presentations by organizations and or individuals who have programs that will benefit the efficient and orderly development of the corridor.

2.  Continue to recruit additional private memberships as well as interests of public sector groups:

(a) Increase private memberships on a selective basis with a goal of 10% increase each year.

(b) Involves public sector agencies and organizations by including in all meetings of the Association

(1) Research ways to use public funds as a means of support & development to include but not limited to:

a. Kansas Department of Commerce Community Capacity Grant Program

b. Department of Transportation programs related to regionalism and highway development

Strategic Direction # 2

Strive for Orderly and Compatible Land Use and Development

Objective: Promote development that is compatible, orderly and efficient

Guiding Principles

1. Land uses should be designed to blend with the natural character of the environment and be consistent with local zoning regulations

1. New development within the corridor should be encouraged to focus on those locations where existing infrastructure is in place thereby reducing the impact on the natural areas and open space as much as possible while at the same time reducing the costs of new facilities and infrastructure.

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions In Support of Strategic Direction # 2

1. Review and update as necessary the land use plans of each of the communities included in the K-96 defined area of development.

2. Analyze the existing zoning regulations and identify any areas not consistent with plans for development of specific categories within each community.

3. Review and Coordinate with the counties of Reno and Sedgwick regarding existing zoning and planning for the county, including the respective cities within their area of responsibility.

Goals

1. To have all communities land use plans current and in agreement with planning regulations and parameters, as necessary, with the respective county-June 1

2. To have each community in possession of a well defined zoning and planning program that allows for orderly and efficient development that can respond in a timely manner on issues and opportunities for development-June 1

Strategic Direction # 3

Seek Balanced Economic Development

Objective; To encourage the attraction, retention and expansion of business opportunities that leverage the existing capabilities, opportunities and infrastructure facilities of each community.

Guiding Principles

1. Identify and encourage development that benefits from the opportunities within the corridor

2. Support and encourage the continued upgrading of individual community services and facilities to promote and attract high quality residential, commercial and industrial development.

3. Serve as a resource and provide support, as requested, to the area’s economic development organizations through a unified marketing effort that complements each community’s individual efforts

4. Encourage the redevelopment of existing facilities such as the Hutchinson Air Base Industrial Tract (Former Navy base) as a major industrial park along the corridor.

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions In Support of Strategic Direction # 3

1. Conduct a review and identify specific industries and businesses that could logically and efficiently be targeted for location in each community or the corridor in general.

2. In coordination with each community, analyze each community’s needs for upgrading, adding and/or rearranging existing services, facilities and infrastructure. This analysis would include but not be limited to:

a. Water and sewer

b. Refuse collection

c. Electrical service

d. Telecommunications and information technology systems

e. Streets and other transportation related issues

3. Develop a marketing plan, in coordination with existing economic development organizations and agencies. This marketing plan would include but not be limited to:

a. Branding program to include logo for the corridor, letterhead, pamphlets and other items that will give and bring identity to corridor

b. Expanded web site with links to organizations and agencies who are stakeholders and partners in development of the corridor (GWEDC, Hutch/Reno County Economical Development, utilities and others)

c. Development of a development advisory group that would include developers, realtors, financial and other such groups that have a vested interest in the development of the community.

d. Development of expanded marketing materials such as:

(1) Brochures, pamphlets and possibly a video that promotes the business and development opportunities for the corridor in total and each community specifically.

4. Identify and continue to develop existing industrial, business and residential areas of development along the corridor. For example:

a. Industrial park on K-96 near Yoder

b. Opportunities and available industrial, business and residential areas for development in each community and in the corridor in total.

GOALS

1. Complete the targeted industry study by July 1

2. Assist communities to analyze their current facilities, infrastructure and services by July 1

3. Develop a marketing plan for the corridor that incorporates branding, promotional materials, available facility listings and other information that will promote the opportunities and capabilities for development along the corridor-February 1

4. Complete inventory of existing industrial, business and residential areas-March 1

STRATEGIC DIRECTION # 4

Encourage a High Quality of Development Appearance and Design

Objective: Ensure that new development reflects high standards of design as described in the K-96 Economic Development Plan

Guiding Principles

1. Enhance the overall appearance of the corridor by ensuring the continue use of compatible design of buildings that enhances the built appearance of the Corridor
2. Encourage energy efficiency construction in facilities should be a major consideration in future development
3. A beautification and landscaping plan along the frontage of K-96 should be designed and implemented through a combination of private and public resources.
4. Gateways to communities and major development should be distinctive to present an orderly and attractive appearance.

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions In Support of Strategic Direction # 4

1. Conduct discussions with design companies and provide examples of a general design theme for the corridor
2. Research the current programs and establish general information and guidelines for providing for the most efficient construction for facilities being constructed along the corridor.
3. In coordination with the Kansas Department of Transportation, ensure that the corridor reflects and produces a positive image for the traveler and businesses considering the corridor for development.
4. Conduct an impartial review of each community with the objective of identifying areas of improvement as it relates to the gateways into the communities.

GOALS

1. Provide suggested design themes to the communities-September 1

2. Complete the review of guidelines for efficient construction and provide to communities-September 1

3. Review the existing programs used for maintaining the corridor and provide summary to communities and Kansas Department of Transportation for possible improvement programs—October 1

4. Complete the review of each community and provide summary for suggested improvements-October 1

STRATEGIC DIRECTION # 5

Preserve Open, Natural Areas and Agriculture

Objective: Protect the natural environment and scenic quality of the corridor including protection of flood plains, wetlands, wooded areas and productive agricultural lands

Guiding Principles

1. The use of conservation easements and other planning tools should be promoted to encourage development while protecting strategic open space.

2. Agricultural land is a valued resource and should be encouraged to continue from premature or incompatible development while recognizing the rights of property owners to reasonably develop their land for alternative uses consistent with corridor planning standards

3. New development adjacent to existing agricultural lands should be encouraged to be continued and be protected from encroaching on surrounding existing agricultural activities.

4. Take advantage of the existing recreational opportunities associated in the area to include but not limited to the Arkansas River

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions In Support of Strategic Direction # 5

1. Conduct a review of current programs and determine the procedures and actions necessary to protect areas while still taking advantage of the opportunities along the corridor.
2. Identify those land owners who are interested in transferring ownership for development purposes and those who little or no interest in allowing their land for development.
3. Continue to be an active participant in actions being taken to increase the recreational opportunities along the Arkansas River and other recreational areas while still considering the rights of property owners adjacent to the area.

Goals

1. Complete review of programs that allows protections from encroachment in areas not compatible with current land owners desires-September 1

2. Conduct visits with all land owners with land along the corridor that might be used for development purposes—September 1

STRATEGIC DIRECTION # 6

ENSURE SAFE AND VARIED TRANSPORTATION

Objective: K-96 highway should be maintained in a safe and efficient manner

Guiding Principles

1. Future improvements to accommodate developments along the corridor should be planned with safety and access as priority considerations.

1. A greenway linkage to cities along the corridor should be a consideration in future city comprehensive planning.

Planned Management Actions and Activities

Implementation Actions In Support of Strategic Direction # 6

1. Be an active participant in the current plans and programs and future programs for all highway projects affecting the corridor, especially as it relates to safety and access from the communities and development areas to the main K-96 corridor artery.
2. Participate in discussions and planning meetings for any and all projects along the corridor with the objective of retaining sufficient greenway linkage access to the corridor communities.

Goals

1. To provide safe, attractive and convenient access to the communities and businesses along the corridor-On going