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Minutes for HB2109 - Committee on Appropriations
Short Title
Authorizing the state board of regents on behalf of Kansas state university to sell certain real property in Riley county.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 1, 2017
Chairman Waymaster opened the Hearing on HB 2109.
Zack Fridell, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, presented the bill brief (Attachment 1) This bill would authorize the Board of Regents to sell three pieces of property owned by Kansas State University, and transfer one piece of property owned by Wichita State University. He stated that properties involved in this sale would be exempt from the statutes that govern the sale of surplus property.
Zach Gearhart, Assistant Director of Government Relations, Wichita State University, presented testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 2). The proposed land exchange with WSU and KG & E would benefit the university through expanded power infrastructures supporting future development.
Mark Taussig, Associate Director of Planning at Kansas State University, presented testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 3). The funds from the sale of this small parcel would be used for ongoing maintenance of the park. Discussion followed regarding the future use from the sale of this property. The appraised value in 2015 was $84,000, he stated.
Ron Trewyn, National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF) Liaison, Kansas State University, presented testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 4). This bill would authorize the university to sell two tracts of land. One tract is undevelopable as it is 0.838 acres. The second tract is 17.54 acres on the north side of the NBAF construction site, which was identified as a potential security issue, by the United States Department of Homeland Security, as it currently houses a purebred beef unit. In response to questions from committee members, he stated that the Endowment Foundation owns the Research Park and this property would be part of the foundation. He responded that the foundation has not expressed interest in the land, and there has not been an appraisal on the land.
Chairman Waymaster closed the hearing on the bill.
