|
|
|
An agreement between Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson and the Department of the Army means land located outside of Parsons is a step closer to being used for economic development.
On Monday, Parkinson signed a Finding of Suitability for Early Transfer agreement that moves forward the transfer of approximately 6,600 acres of land at the former Kansas Army Ammunition Plant from the Department of the Army to the Great Plains Development Authority (GPDA).
“I am pleased to see this endeavor move forward for the benefit of the citizens of the Parsons, southeast Kansas and the entire state,” said Parkinson. “This will allow the community to pursue its economic development plans, creating essential private industry growth while protecting the health of Kansans and the environment.”
Parkinson also signed a consent order between the GPDA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for environmental remediation of the land.
The GPDA will use financial assistance from the Army to clean up the acreage to allow for industrial use of the land.
The remediation will be monitored by KDHE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“For the past 60 years the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant has had a positive economic impact on Parsons and the surrounding region. We are looking forward to the challenge of growing new businesses and jobs in our community,” said Dan Goddard, Chief Executive Officer of the GPDA. “The GPDA appreciates the diligence of Governor Parkinson, his staff, KDHE, and federal officials in furthering the transfer. We are committed to developing the new Great Plains Industrial Park for the economic benefit of southeast Kansas.”
The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant (KSAAP) includes 14,337 acres of land that was constructed during World War II to produce military munitions to support the U.S. Department of Defense. KSAAP was placed on the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure List and all production ceased in 2008.
The Great Plains Development Authority was created under state statute by the Labette County Commission to acquire and develop a large portion of the property to offset the loss of jobs, ensure remediation efforts and return the property to productive use.
An agreement between Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson and the Department of the Army means land located outside of Parsons is a step closer to being used for economic development.
On Monday, Parkinson signed a Finding of Suitability for Early Transfer agreement that moves forward the transfer of approximately 6,600 acres of land at the former Kansas Army Ammunition Plant from the Department of the Army to the Great Plains Development Authority (GPDA).
“I am pleased to see this endeavor move forward for the benefit of the citizens of the Parsons, southeast Kansas and the entire state,” said Parkinson. “This will allow the community to pursue its economic development plans, creating essential private industry growth while protecting the health of Kansans and the environment.”
Parkinson also signed a consent order between the GPDA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for environmental remediation of the land.
The GPDA will use financial assistance from the Army to clean up the acreage to allow for industrial use of the land.
The remediation will be monitored by KDHE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“For the past 60 years the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant has had a positive economic impact on Parsons and the surrounding region. We are looking forward to the challenge of growing new businesses and jobs in our community,” said Dan Goddard, Chief Executive Officer of the GPDA. “The GPDA appreciates the diligence of Governor Parkinson, his staff, KDHE, and federal officials in furthering the transfer. We are committed to developing the new Great Plains Industrial Park for the economic benefit of southeast Kansas.”
The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant (KSAAP) includes 14,337 acres of land that was constructed during World War II to produce military munitions to support the U.S. Department of Defense. KSAAP was placed on the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure List and all production ceased in 2008.
The Great Plains Development Authority was created under state statute by the Labette County Commission to acquire and develop a large portion of the property to offset the loss of jobs, ensure remediation efforts and return the property to productive use.
