Deputy Riley County Counselor Shelly Woodard presented a resolution Monday for Riley County to seek property by means of eminent domain for a non-discharging wastewater lagoon project in the Keats Sewer District.
Deadlines for USDA funding are approaching, and Woodard says tests on the site are needed.
The court will determine if the county has authority to use eminent domain, which it does, according to Woodard. It will also determine the public need for the project and schedule time to meet with appraisers at some point. Construction costs for the project are estimated at around $4 million.
A motion was made to use eminent domain, with commissioners approving on a 2-1 vote. Commissioner John Ford opposed:
Commissioners Kathryn Focke and Greg McKinley both approved the motion. Focke shared comments following her vote
The parcel of land is located southwest of Keats, due west of the park.
