In April, Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill that adds some guardrails to the program, such as requiring third-party feasibility studies, community engagement and other transparency measures. The bill also expands the program, allowing rural communities to more easily qualify. The current program has faced bipartisan criticism, as it has warped beyond its original intent of subsidizing large, unique tourism destinations attracting visitors to Kansas. The program has been used to fund more mundane projects such as adding turf to soccer fields in Wichita. And one STAR bond-funded project in Overland Park, Prairiefire, has largely failed to meet expectations.
Source: Joco 913 News
