Title
Memorandum of Understanding between Prairie Travelers, Inc. and Sedgwick County for Construction and Maintenance of a Portion of the Prairie Sunset Trail. District 3.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the memorandum of understanding and authorize the Chairman to sign.
The WATCO rail corridor was located about a half mile south of and parallel to US-54/400. A portion of the WATCO corridor has been rail banked extending from west Wichita to Garden Plain. The segments from Hoover Road to 119th St. West and from 135th St. West to 167th St. West were rail banked by the City of Wichita. The one mile segment from 119th St. West to 135th St. West was deeded by the railroad to Sedgwick County. The segment from 167th St. West to Garden Plain was rail banked by Goddard or Garden Plain.
Prairie Travelers, Inc. (PTI) has been working to develop the trail. Initial trail development occurred on the 8 mile section between 167th St. West and 295th St. West. PTI is currently working on the section between 167th St. West and 135th St. West that was banked by the City of Wichita. They have resources available to continue with trail development work in the County owned section between 135th St. West and 119th St. West and have requested that the County enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOU) to allow that work to continue.
Under the terms of the MOU, PTI would develop and maintain the trail, drainage structures, bridges, etc. Sedgwick County would be responsible for mowing, signage and noxious weed control.
Alternatives: Take appropriate action.
Financial Considerations: The County is already responsible for mowing and noxious weed control on the property. The MOU would not create any significant additional financial burden on the county.
Legal Considerations: The County has general authority under K.S.A. 19-101 fourth and K.S.A. 19-212 Sixth and Eleventh to enter into contracts regarding the management of real property interests. The County's authority a...
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