By NATE KING
Salina Post
On this episode of King in the Community, we hear a Smoky Hill River renewal project update from Jane Anderson, executive director at the Friends of the River Foundation.
The river renewal project dates back to the 1970s. Listen in as Anderson explains how the Smoky Hill River became a damaged ecosystem, how potential Corps of Engineer dollars will restore the river to its original flow - allowing wildlife back to the area, and the ways the river will provide a recreational and relaxing area for visitors and citizens.
The Friends of the River recently opened a walking trail located near the Smoky Hill River.
"It's about an eight to 10-foot concrete trail that is in construction right now and we're going to have a grand opening on October 28, at 10 a.m. for anyone to come," Anderson said. "We will have a few booths, drawings for prizes, and you'll get to walk a half mile and see 'Oh, my goodness this is surprisingly beautiful.'"
Anderson, who has worked as executive director for the Friends of the River for eight years, said one of the key things she's learned through this project is to be patient.
"It's not my best quality, but the project will become such a grand, beautiful project, we all have come to the conclusion that it's worth waiting for," Anderson said. "It's taken a long time to get to this and people have been a little frustrated which I don't blame them. We've been frustrated too, but it's just the nature of it. I encourage the community to come help with the Fall Fix Up and come check out the new trail at the YMCA and help us celebrate the first real construction project of this Smoky Hill River renewal project."
Salina YMCA president and CEO, Angie Lassley, said the Salina YMCA has been partnered with the Friends of the River Foundation for two years.
"It shows that we are committed. My wish list is to be able to provide canoes and kayak rentals to the public once the Smoky Hill River Renewal project is completed," Lassley said. "We also will be expanding our outdoor programming to promote safety while on the water."
The costs for the project are listed below.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Total Project Costs:
Federal-------------------------------$13,705,000
Non- Federal City----------------------$7,610,000
TOTAL------------------------------$21,315,000
RAISE Transportation Grant
Federal----------------------------$22,112,620
Non-Federal City -------------------$10,532,070
Non-Federal Friends of the River ------- $ 4,025,000
TOTAL $36,669,690