Supplier: Black Hills Energy Ownership: Public Power
Contact: Nathan Smith
Phone: 620-655-5404
Website: www blackhillsenergy com
Size of Line: 1"
Size of Main: 2"
Pressure: 30 psi
Waste Water
Supplier: City of Liberal Ownership: Municipal
Contact: Jesse Randles
Phone: 620-626-0185
Website: www.cityofliberal.org
Size of Line: 4"
Size of Main: 10"
Telecommunications
Supplier: Epic Touch, AT&T, United Wireless, Zito Media, IdeaTek
Service Speed & Redundancy:
100 Mbps to < 1 Gig
Description of Capability: Wireless, fiber, cable, fiber to the premise
AdditionalDetails
Electric Service
Supplier: Southern Pioneer Electric
Ownership: Not for Profit
Phone: 620-624-6378
Website: www.southernpioneer.net
All Utilities Extend to Site: Yes
Served By kV Line: 13 8 KV 13" Kv line
Water
Supplier: City of Liberal Ownership: Municipal
Contact: Jose Rosales
Phone: 620-626-0138
Website: www cityofliberal org
Size of Line: 2"
Size of Main: 6"
Peak Capacity: 7,000,000+ gal.
Pressure: 55-65 psi
Landfill
Supplier: Seward County Waste Management
Contact: Brock Theiner
Phone: 620-629-0643
Website: www.sewardcountyks.org
Level: Subtitle D Landfill
Accepts:
Municipal solid waste
Construction and demolition materials
Wood Trees
Special waste permitted through KDHE
Nathan Smith
Business Development Account Manager
Nathan Smith@blackhillscorp com
July 22, 2024
To Whom It May Concern:
Black Hills Energy has a 3” steel (30 psig) gas main (orange line) located on the west side of the lot at 700 Country Estates, Liberal, KS.
Please let me know if there is anything more we can provide.
Sincerely,
Nathan Smith Black Hills Energy
To Whom It May Concern,
Southern Pioneer Electric Company provides electrical service to the Liberal Rail Development Site at 700 Country Estates Road The property benefits from three-phase electrical lines conveniently located on its west side Servicing a 4MW load would require only minimal upgrades To ensure a precise assessment of the potential service, we would need additional information regarding your specific requirements
For further questions or additional details, please contact our office.
Nate Gillespie Manager of Engineering & Operations
Direct Line 620 626 2329
Ngillespie@southernpioneer net
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
B&I is committed to enhancing workplace skills and providing life-enriching experiences for the communities of Liberal and Southwest Kansas Whether you are pursuing personal interests, seeking new career skills, or looking for effective employee training, we offer a wide range of learning opportunities that can be tailored to your specific needs
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Development training enhances the knowledge, skills, and competencies of individuals within their chosen professions. These programs aim to empower professionals to stay current with industry developments, refine their expertise, and advance their careers. Professional development training is tailored to meet the specific needs of different fields and industries through workshops, seminars, conferences, online courses, and certifications By investing in continuous learning and skill development, professionals can remain competitive, adapt to changing demands, and unlock new opportunities for personal and career growth
CONTRACT TRAINING
Contract training, also known as customized training or corporate training, involves tailored educational programs designed to meet the specific needs of organizations or businesses These programs are typically developed in collaboration with the company to address skill gaps, enhance employee competencies, and align training objectives with organizational goals Contract training encompasses a wide range of topics, from technical skills to leadership development, and can be delivered through various formats such as workshops, seminars, or online courses By providing targeted training solutions, contract training enables companies to enhance the expertise of their workforce, increases productivity, and competitiveness in today's evolving business landscape.
CAREER SERVICES
Our office serves as a vital bridge between the students at your community college and local businesses By actively engaging with both students and businesses, we aim to match the skills and talents of college graduates with the needs of the workforce Through various networking events, job fairs, and internship programs, we strive to create meaningful partnerships that benefit both parties For students, this means access to real-world job experiences and career pathways aligned with their academic pursuits For businesses, it means gaining access to a pool of talented and motivated individuals who can contribute to their success By fostering these connections, we contribute to the economic growth and vitality of our community while empowering students to embark on fulfilling career journeys
Community enrichment courses are educational programs designed to offer learning opportunities and personal development outside of traditional academic settings These courses cover a wide range of topics and are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds within the community From arts and crafts to cooking, fitness, languages, and beyond, community enrichment courses provide avenues for individuals to explore new interests, develop new skills, and connect with others who share similar passions These courses are often taught by local experts or enthusiasts and are typically offered in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and lifelong learning Whether someone is looking to pick up a new hobby, enhance existing talents, or simply socialize with others, community enrichment courses provide valuable opportunities for personal fulfilment and growth
Regional Demographics
Seward County
Development Corporation
Eli Svaty
Executive Director
620-655-2036 eli@swks org
City of Liberal Rusty Varnado
City Manager
785-205-9500
rusty.varnado@cityofliberal.org
Local Contacts
Economic Development
Seward County
Development Corporation Raquel Arellano Director of Entrepreneurship
925-409-8872
raquel@swks org
Liberal Area
Chamber of Commerce
Rozelle Webb CEO
620-624-3855
raquel@swks org
Administration
Seward County April Warden County Administrator
620-482-5509
awarden@sewardcountyks.org
City of Kismet Rod Lewis Mayor
620=629=0014
rodlewis991@gmail.com
City of Liberal Keith Bridenstine
Planning, Zoning, and Building
Building and Code Director
620-626-2262 keith.bridenstine@cityofliberal.org
Seward County Albert Gallegos
Planning and Zoning Director
620-626-3394 agallegos@sewardcountyks org
City of Liberal Arlene Rosales
Permit Technician
620-626-2261
arlene.rosales@cityofliberal.org
Seward County Hillary Franco
Permit Technician
620-626-3392
hfranco@sewardcountyks org
PEAK – Promoting Employment across Kansas: $750 application fee
Company retains 95% of the payroll withholding tax of PEAK jobs
Company must provide adequate health insurance coverage for full time employees and pay at least 50% of health insurance premium
PEAK eligible jobs, must meet 100% of the county median wage
Must create a minimum of 10 new PEAK eligible jobs, with in the first 2 years Company must ask for a PEAK proposal, through the business incentive questionnaire, working with the Regional Project Manager, prior to applying for PEAK.
Application and Application fee of $750 must be submitted, before PEAK eligible jobs can be counted.
Non-eligible industries include: gambling, religious, retail trade, educational services, public administration, food services and drinking places, unless applying as an international or national headquarters of administrative/back office facility
HPIP- High Performance Incentive Program: $750 application fee
A tax credit for capital investment, with a 16-year carry-forward, equal to up to 10 percent of the eligible investment that exceeds $ 1 million in Douglas, Johnson, Shawnee and Wyandotte counties; $50,000 in Leavenworth county Exemption from sales tax for eligible capital investments/services
A potential workforce training tax credit up to $50,000 per year on training expenditures above two percent of the company payroll Priority consideration for other assistance programs offered through Commerce, and KMS
Company must complete and submit an HPIP Project Description, prior to the project being committed to Company must pay above average industry wage
Invest in training/skill development equal to 2% of payroll, or participate in a state training program
Company must provide adequate health insurance coverage for full time employees and pay at least 50% of health insurance premium
Non-eligible industries include: agriculture, mining, construction and retailing.
Industries that are not manufacturers, at least 51% of revenue must be generated from sales to Kansas manufacturers, and/or out of state commercial; and/or governmental customers
Work Force Training – KIT/KIR: $500 application fee
Grant funds to help offset the costs of training for employees
KIT – training for new employees, hired after the KIT start date
KIR – training for current employees on new processes, technology, equipment; company must have a dollar for dollar match
Positions being trained must be paid an average wage that meets or exceeds the county median wage
Company must provide adequate health insurance coverage for full time employees and pay at least 50% of health insurance premium
Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) and Welfare to Work Tax Credits
Encourage employers to hire job seekers who face the greatest barriers to employment for up to a $2400 federal tax credit per qualified hire.
Kansas Works Registered Apprentice Program
Available funding: Sponsors can be reimbursed for a portion of the RTI (Related Technical Instruction) per apprentice
International Trade Assistance
Assist Kansas companies with their global market development needs and exporting efforts
Local Development Programs
Property Tax Abatement
Businesses that purchase or expand property for the purpose of: a) manufacturing articles of commerce; b) conducting research and development; or c) storing goods or commodities which are sold or traded in interstate commerce may qualify for property tax abatement with proper approval of the City or County governing body, with final approval from the State Board of Tax Appeals. Certain uses financed by Industrial Revenue Bonds may also qualify for property tax abatements (This has to be approved by the State prior to the issuance).
Industrial Revenue Bonds
In Kansas, IRBs are issued by cities, counties and the Kansas Development Finance Authority. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds to private investors are made available to enable creditworthy companies to purchase land and pay the costs of constructing and equipping new facilities or the costs of acquiring, remodeling and expanding existing facilities.
Community Improvement District (CID)
Property owners may petition the City Commission to create a Community Improvement District (CID) for projects exceeding $200,000. Applicants may request special property tax assessments within the district, special sales tax up to 2% within the district or a combination of both. All property owners within the proposed CID must participate in the petition. Upon creation of a CID, revenue generated by these sources is available through a pay-as-you-go account. A CID can exist for a maximum of 22 years.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a real estate redevelopment tool applicable to industrial, commercial, intermodal transportation area and residential projects. TIF uses the increases in real estate tax revenues and local sales tax revenues to retire the bonds sold to finance eligible redevelopment project costs (K.S.A. 121770 et seq.) or to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP)
This plan is intended to promote the revitalization and development of certain areas within the City of Liberal in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and improve economic conditions which impair and arrest the sound growth of the community for the residents of the City The City will offer property tax rebates for certain improvements or renovation of the property with the designated areas in accordance with the provisions of K S A 12-17, 114 et seq
Façade Improvement Grant
The City of Liberal offers development assistance in the form of 50/50 matching grant money for commercial businesses and property owners located within the City of Liberal, Kansas City grants will be for outside façade improvements, parking lot improvements or sidewalk replacement on the exterior of the business
