By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The public got a chance to see the groundwork's "first phase" that will be laid for the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project (SHRRP), on Tuesday evening.
SHRRP representatives along with the City of Salina and HDR Engineering Inc., presented the progress on the Smoky Hill River to the public as the community got a chance to leave their feedback as well.
The presentation unveiled many of the features for the first phase which included, funding and financial information, bridge amenities, maps and more. SHRRP Manager, Martha Tasker reviewed what the project will consist of. She went over that an establishment of 7 bridges will take place across the restored Old Smoky Hill River channel, that runs through downtown Salina.
According to Tasker, the design for the bridges are expected to completed on April 2026, with construction beginning in 2027. A completion date by the end of 2030 is anticipated.
A total amount of $68,778,666 was estimated to be spent for the project, which includes the RAISE grant and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The RAISE grant ($22,000,000) was from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which will help fund the bridge replacements, trail construction and the rejuvenation of parks along the Old Smoky Hill River Channel.
USACE ($10,000,000) are involved by reestablishing flows in the Old Smoky Hill River Channel, restoration and providing new recreational opportunities.
Both are partnered with the City of Salina.
To submit any comments or questions about the project go to: https://www.salina-ks.gov/river-renewal-comment-form
For any additional information about the project's history go to: https://www.salina-ks.gov/smoky-hill-river-renewal or you can go the Friends of the River website: https://smokyhillriver.org/history/