Title
FUNDING AGREEEMENT WITH THE USS WICHITA COMMISSIONING COMMITTEE FOR $25,000.
Presented by: Brent Shelton, Economic Development & Tax System Director.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the funding agreement.
Body
The USS Wichita Commissioning Committee requests one time funding of $25,000 to support the Commissioning of the USS Wichita - Keeper of the Seas; and to provide support for its crew. The ship is tentatively scheduled to be commissioned at a ceremony in early 2019.
Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita are each contributing to the ships commissioning and crew.
The soon to be commissioned USS Wichita will be the third Naval ship to bear the City of Wichita’s name. The vessel is a littoral combat ship, one of the fastest, lightest and most technologically advanced ships in the United States Navy.
The USS Wichita - Keeper of the Seas’ crest bears a red, white, blue and gold seal that incorporates the Wichita flag, a buffalo skull to commemorate the Wichita Indians, stalks of wheat representing Kansas’ main agriculture crop and feathers which represent the area’s Native American heritage. The ship’s full name refers to the Keeper of the Plains statue; part of Sedgwick County’s logo.
Alternatives: Do not approve the agreement.
Financial Considerations: One time funding of $25,000. Budget authority will be transferred from the BOCC Reserve to the Culture & Recreation Community Programs fund center.
Legal Considerations: This funding agreement constitutes a proper expenditure of public funds under state and federal law.
Policy Considerations: N/A.
Outside Attendees: Pat Gallagher, Co-Chair USS Wichita Commissioning Committee.