Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration major Elements:
- Entrance works
- Sediment Excavation and Disposal
- Channel Shaping
- Western Star Dam Replacement
The citizens have overwhelmingly approved this corridor revitalization with a local sales tax to generate matching funds. Over the past several years, the City has made significant progress in advancing the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project from an idea to a reality. Through extensive public outreach and steering committee meetings, plans for the Smoky Hill River have advanced through master planning and multiple design stages. In 2022, the City was awarded RAISE grant funding for bridge replacements, trails, community plaza, and parks rejuvenation. These RAISE grant-funded elements must be fully expended by September 30, 2031.
Together, the RAISE grant features and the USACE river renewal project will effectively transform the urban core of Salina into a vibrant and sustainable gathering point for the community. The City is eager to maintain momentum for this multi-purpose, resilient, and transformative project to conduct aquatic ecosystem restoration along this vital streamway corridor. Funding through the Energy and Water Appropriations in 2024 is critical to maintain project schedules such that the river renewal project and surrounding infrastructure improvements are successfully implemented.
Estimated Project Costs (GI Program)
Cost | Breakdown |
$13,705,000 | Federal Share |
$7,610,000 | Non-Federal Share (City of Salina cost) |
$21,315,000 | Total |
Estimated Project Schedule
Year | Milestone |
2024 | Congressional appropriation in the USACE budget or appropriated through a congressional add-in (FY 2024 pending budget approval)
|
2024 - 2026 | Complete the feasibility Study Process (three years) |
| 2027 - 2030 | Complete the design and construction (design is 1-2 years and construction is 2 years) |
Documents Available