Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) has announced that Junction City Main Street and its community partners will receive technical assistance and agency resources to begin revitalizing the city’s downtown area. The project aims to strengthen connections between the city, nearby natural areas such as Milford Lake, and surrounding prairies.

“As an avid outdoorsman, I applaud Junction City’s efforts to capitalize on its proximity to the many nearby natural resources,” said Senator Marshall. “These efforts will provide greater opportunities for residents, tourists, and Fort Riley soldiers and their families to experience our state’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Jordan McCann, Executive Director at Junction City Main Street, explained the vision for the project: “Junction City Main Street envisions a stronger connection between the ‘Best Backyard in Kansas’, Milford Lake, and our historic, newly revitalized downtown. The RERC’s technical assistance program will allow us to develop a strategic plan that drives tourism, strengthens our local economy, and ensures both destinations complement and support one another for long-term growth.”

The initiative is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program as well as the Administration’s Make America Beautiful Commission. Plans include linking Main Street with regional outdoor recreation amenities and engaging Fort Riley military personnel with these opportunities. The effort also aims to promote healthier lifestyles among residents while boosting tourism and economic activity for local businesses.

In addition to fostering economic growth through increased tourism, the project will make use of existing brownfield assessments and cleanups. It also plans to implement green infrastructure measures intended to reduce flooding risks and mitigate heat waves in the downtown area.