In a recent meeting attended by Student Body President Reagan Kays, the Manhattan City Commission unanimously passed K-State’s final proposal for the allocation of this year’s City/University Special Projects Fund. The fund comes from city tax dollars generated on K-State’s campus, and aims to support projects that are mutually beneficial to the city and the university.
The proposal was originally drafted by SGA Senators on the Governmental Relations Committee, and was then approved by university administration. K-State vice president for administration and finance, Cindy Bontrager, presented the proposal with city manager Ron Fehr. Joining Kays and Bontrager in attendance to represent K-State was Dr. Jackie Hartman, chief of staff for President Kirk Schulz.
The following four projects, at a total cost of more than $600,000, will be completed through the City/University Fund:
- City Park/Aggieville Parking Lot- The lot on the north side of City Park, on North Manhattan Avenue, will be paved and delineated with 62 parking stalls. The pavement effectively weatherproofs the lot, making it easier to remove snow in the winter and preventing mud puddles from forming in the gravel. The lot will be open to the public.
- Improvements to Triangle Park: This funding allows for completion of the restoration of the brick pavers in Triangle Park, located in Aggieville next to Varney’s. The park’s electrical service will also be upgraded.
- Safety Improvements on Denison Avenue: In addition to other projects in the area, the fund will provide new pedestrian signals and crosswalks on Denison between Claflin Road and College Heights Road. The improvements will reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety in the area.
- Intersection Improvements at 17th Street & Anderson Avenue and Bluemont Avenue & Manhattan Avenue.