On Tuesday night Manhattan City Commisioners unanimously accepted a 1.8 million dollar FAA grant to improve a new aviation apron at the Manhattan Regional Airport, and voted to begin contracting the construction of the new addition to the airport.
Next commisioners tackled the Manhattan metropolitan planning organization or MPO. A presentation outlining the two plans and their budgets were given by Assistant Manhattan City Manager Lauren Palmer.
Discussion revolved around two maps outlining initial working boundaries for the MPO. Map Option 2 includes portions of Pottawatomie and Riley counties along with the city of Ogden. Map option 4a is a far larger area which includes portion of Fort Riley and Junction City.
Commissioner John Matta was concerned with representation on the policy board for Manhattan, and supports the smaller map to give more local control on transportation projects. Commissioner Wynn Butler had concerns over funding for the organization, and said he wants a smaller map to reduce risk. Butler says once the MPO is created then it could be expanded to encompass the larger area if it proves to be a prudent course of action.
Commissioner James Sherow, and Mayor Loren Pepperd said they support the larger map and more cooperation with other regional government entities.
Commissioner Richard Jankovich wants to gain more input with other prospective partners, and would not say whether or not he’d back the smaller option 2 map or the larger option 4a.
