Kansas, Wyandotte County Unified Government Resolve Lawsuit
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and Mayor Christal Watson jointly announced Friday that the Unified Government (UG) of Wyandotte County/Kansas City and the State of Kansas have satisfactorily resolved concerns related to the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium project, leading to a plan to move forward on the project together and a framework for the dismissal of the UG’s lawsuit against the State.
Based on the agreement outlined below, the UG has agreed to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice.
Editor note on without prejudice:
The court dismisses the case for now, but leaves the door open for the plaintiff to fix mistakes and refile the claim later. However, there is optimism this moves the issue to the rearview mirror.
“This is an important step in the historic, landmark deal that will shape Kansas for generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A strong commitment to communication between all the partner parties ensures this project will result in an incredible economic benefit for KCK and Wyandotte County residents, the State of Kansas, and the best home for the Chiefs.”
The agreement resolves several components related to the State’s partnership with the UG including land use and utility services.
The agreement confirms that the UG and Wyandotte County
Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will retain jurisdiction on all
ancillary development surrounding the Chiefs Stadium, which includes
local planning and zoning and paying of the BPU payment in lieu of
taxes (PILOT). The stadium and its parking areas will be State
facilities owned by the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority (KSFA), not
subject to local zoning or building codes, and leased to the Kansas
City Chiefs for $7 million per year.
The UG’s local pledge area will continue to apply only within stadium, parking and ancillary development area included in the Chiefs Project. No additional UG revenue is being requested outside that area which maintains the original local financial commitment.
“The collaboration in recent days has literally been a game changer,” Mayor Christal Watson said. “All of the parties remain fully supportive of the Chiefs, the stadium project and the significant economic opportunity it will create for the citizens of Wyandotte County and Kansas.”
The agreement also creates a path for the BPU to develop a partnership with Evergy related to electric service for the new stadium, and confirms the utility service framework:
- BPU and Evergy will develop a partnership to provide electrical services to the Stadium.
- BPU will provide water services to the Stadium, and UG will provide wastewater and stormwater services to the Stadium.
- BPU and UG will remain the sole utility providers for the ancillary development surrounding the stadium.
“The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) recognizes the important role economic development plays in the growth and long-term success of our community. BPU remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support opportunities that strengthen Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County, while continuing to prioritize safe, reliable and efficient electric service for the customers we serve” said Jeremy Ash, BPU General Manager.
“Evergy is excited to support this landmark project and remains closely committed to working with the Board of Public Utilities and all project partners to help ensure reliable and safe electric service for the new stadium,” an Evergy spokesperson said. “We appreciate the collaborative approach that will support this important project for Kansas City, Wyandotte County and the State of Kansas.”