Arkansas City commissioners will consider an ordinance today to approve an annexation petition filed by the Etzanoa Conservancy for its property on 28379 81st Road. Since the property does not adjoin the city, Cowley County Commissioners were first required to determine whether that annexation would interfere with the growth or development of that area or in any other incorporated city within the county. The county approved that request in February. The location is home of the future Etzanoa Cultural and Immersion Center, based on the ancient Native American community here that is expected to benefit the surrounding area with economic development related to tourism. The Conservancy had requested the annexation so that the center could make use of city services and municipal utilities. Work has already started to clear the property. The proposed 80-acre museum and research center would include a 15,000 square foot facility, walking trails, a replica village, outdoor classroom and a simulation dig area. The conservancy hopes to break ground in June, and open sometime in 2026. If approved, commissioners will then consider an ordinance to rezone the property from low-density to high density residential.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
