Volume 41 - Issue 29 - July 21, 2022
State of Kansas
Wichita State University
Request for Comments
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) is considering a request for federal assistance from Wichita State University (WSU) to construct a Smart Manufacturing and Applied Research Training (SMART) facility in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other relevant federal and state laws, EDA is assessing the potential of the proposed project to affect the environment and/or historic properties. This letter serves as public notice to all interested agencies, groups, and individuals.
The proposed project is the construction of a new SMART facility at the WSU Innovation Campus, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, approximately 3.15 miles northeast of downtown Wichita, within the NE ΒΌ of Section 11, Township 27 South, Range 1 East. [Lat. 37.718274, Long. -97.286031]. This new 85,000 square foot shared research facility will take advantage of proximity to students and researchers, as well as existing parking and utility infrastructure. It will provide shared research labs in robotics, automation, composites, and more.
If you have any information regarding potential impacts to historic properties or environmental resources including wetlands or floodplains associated with this proposed project, please provide it in writing to:
Jenny Benz
Regional Environmental Officer
Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
jbenz@eda.gov
or
Crystal Stegeman
Wichita State University
crystal.stegeman@wichita.edu
Comments received in the EDA Regional Office by 5:00 p.m. (CDT) August 12, 2022 will be considered. A copy of the NEPA decisional document will be available upon request at the above EDA Regional Office.
Crystal Stegeman, FMP
University Property Manager
Office of the Vice President for
Administration and Finance
Doc. No. 050339
