Great Bend, Kansas Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
City Council 7-6-2026
Published: Jul 6, 2026
Great Bend Seeks $2 Million Grant for Wetlands Water Park Redevelopment
The city council authorized the submission of a grant application to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for the redevelopment of Wetlands Water Park. The city is seeking $2 million in grant funding to supplement an estimated $9 million project that will replace the original 1936 water park with a modern aquatic facility featuring new amenities and ADA improvements. This resolution commits the city to providing matching funds and maintaining the facility for public recreation.
Great Bend Acquires Grapple Bucket to Enhance Public Works Operations
The city council approved the purchase of a 2.50 cubic yard grapple bucket from Dymax Incorporated for $33,337.50. This purchase is necessary because the current grapple buckets are not interchangeable between the Caterpillar and Volvo loaders, and the Caterpillar bucket is out of service for repairs. With increased demand due to recent storm damage, having an additional grapple bucket will improve operational efficiency and provide equipment redundancy. Funding for this purchase will come from the remaining balance of the 2019 dump truck capital outlay budget.
Great Bend Approves Starbond Project Plan, Paving Way for Major Economic Development
The council approved the Starbond project plan for the Great Bend's Starbond project. This plan outlines improvements to the SRCA drag strip, a multi-use athletic complex, an 80-room Hampton Inn, and two restaurants. The plan is a prerequisite for seeking financing and does not authorize immediate bond issuance or construction. The project is projected to create significant construction and permanent jobs, attract a large number of visitors, and boost local economic activity. The financing will involve a combination of Starbond financing, private investment, and city general obligation bonds, with a proposed 0.25% sales tax to support the city's debt obligations.
Great Bend Explores AI Data Purchase for Economic Development and Welcomes Potential Manufacturer
The city council discussed the potential purchase of Placer AI data, a service that tracks cell phone data to understand foot traffic and consumer behavior within the city. This data could be used to estimate visitor spending and inform decisions about sales tax increases and economic development strategies. The council also considered authorizing the City Administrator and Public Works Director to sign an NDA with a manufacturer interested in relocating to Great Bend, facilitating direct communication regarding infrastructure and utility needs.
Great Bend Procures New Vacuum Truck to Maintain Critical Utility Operations
The city council approved the purchase of a 2025 Batter 210I vacuum truck from Key Equipment for $494,064.47. This purchase replaces a critical piece of equipment that suffered more extensive damage than initially assessed. The new truck is available for immediate service, which is crucial for the utilities department, as only two trucks are in the fleet and the other is awaiting repairs. Funding for this purchase comes from reallocated plant improvement funds and a PFAS settlement.
Get Weekly Development News of Great Bend
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Great Bend News archive
The City of Great Bend's Video
The City of Great Bend's Video
The City of Great Bend's Video
Happy 250th Birthday, America 🇺🇸 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Great Bend Fireworks Display! 🎆
Happy 250th Birthday, America 🇺🇸 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Great Bend Fireworks Display! 🎆
Here is Public Works Director David Dunekack's full statement regarding unacceptable items recently received at the compost site. If conditions...
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Bend ,Kansas Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Great Bend, Kansas | From $25/year