Amanda Webb, planning director, updated commissioners on several ongoing projects and grant activity.

Webb said the county has received the permanent easements needed for the KEI/Keith infrastructure project and is working on remaining temporary easements; USDA provided guidance allowing work to proceed without all temporary easements in hand so the project timeline can advance. She also said the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board recommended forwarding the county's updated comprehensive plan to the commission; a county Planning Board public hearing was scheduled the following Monday with adoption anticipated at the Dec. 18 meeting.

Webb reported receipt of an executed KDHE Local Environmental Protection Program (LEPP) contract that will bring $50,000 to the county to assist low- and moderate-income property owners with repair and replacement of wastewater systems; staff will wait on disbursement timing from the KDHE contact. Webb also described the Home & Heartland program and three preapproved applicants bringing remote jobs to the county.

Commissioners asked procedural and timeline questions; Webb said staff will continue outreach to property owners and provide updates as the project and plan moves forward.