By Trish Svoboda

The Smoky Hill River might soon flow more freely through Salina, as officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Salina signed a cost-share agreement for the proposed Smoky Hill River renewal project. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced an additional $400,000 in federal funding to assist with the city’s cost for a project design draft from USACE. City documents indicate $13.7 million will come from federal sources, supplemented by $7.6 million from a citywide sales tax. Salina previously secured $22 million in federal grants for river improvements, including bridge replacements and revamped boat docks.

Deputy city manager Jacob Wood highlighted that the project was inspired by residents seeking better access to the waterway. The agreement is the first step towards revitalizing the Smoky Hill River after over 60 years of controlled water flow. Engineers will now work with the Army Corps to draft a design and construction plan, which includes downtown revitalization efforts. In 2022, Salina voters approved a local sales tax for downtown modernization along the riverbank.

The project covers nearly seven miles of the Old Channel, blocked since 1961 by a flood mitigation plan. The project feasibility study is expected by early 2026, with design and construction starting in 2027 and water flowing by the end of 2030.

Wood views the project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform downtown Salina, opening economic prospects for businesses, restaurants, and nightlife. He anticipates a completed feasibility study draft within 12-18 months