WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Wichita might have struck oil when it acquired land for a new library.
City officials confirmed Monday that they are considering drilling on the land after oil experts said significant deposits of oil might be found under the site.
Mayor Carl Brewer says city officials feel compelled to check the possibility that oil might be found under the land, which is in downtown Wichita near the Arkansas River.
The Wichita Eagle reports oil has been found in downtown Wichita before but regulations now make it difficult to drill inside city limits.
The city council hasn’t officially considered the drilling. Councilman Jeff Longwell says he wants to be sure current resources are protected but the city should explore whether its economy could be helped by owning an oil well.
