By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A public hearing for a requested tax increment financing district, commonly called a TIF, will be conducted Thursday by the city of Hays for Triplett, Inc., Salina.
The company plans to build a $11 million 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza north of Interstate 70 at Exit 157 west.
The 9,000-square-foot location would include a full-service travel plaza and convenience store, with 12 gas fueling positions and five diesel fueling positions, electric vehicle charging stations, a restaurant in the travel plaza, a dog park and RV overnight campsites.
As developer, Triplett would also install all necessary infrastructure.
Triplett is asking for three financing options through the city's economic development policy, including a community improvement district and industrial revenue bonds.
Immediately following the public hearing, commissioners are expected to approve an ordinance setting the tax increment financing district into effect.
Any future increase in property tax generated within the district during the next 20 years will accrue to the TIF fund, which will be used to pay eligible project costs.
The developer estimated the tax increment financing district would generate about $4.5 million.
Assuming full city approval, Triplett expects to begin building the travel plaza next summer at the southeast corner of 230th Avenue and 55th Street.
Triplett already operates a small 24/7 Travel Store in Hays at 3601 Vine, south of the interstate Exit 159.
Triplett also owns 24/7 Travel Stores in Goodland, Colby, WaKeeney, Russell, Abilene, Salina, McPherson and Maple Hill.
Other Oct. 25 agenda items include:
• 2024 employee health plan renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
• Bid award for relocation of a 10-inch water main at Interstate 70 Exit 157
• Update on the R-9 Ranch long-term water project
The city commission meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.