The increase in population at Fort Riley in recent years may result in development of conflicts between the post and surrounding communities

The vibrations and sound of amplified weapons and aircraft noise often concern local residents. As a result, the region is undertaking an update to the 2005 Joint Land Use Study beginning in July 2016 through June 2017. The project is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

The Flint Hills Regional Council has been selected by local communities to serve as the grantee and lead organization for the JLUS project. FHRC will work with the JLUS Technical Advisory Committee consiting of local planning and economic development staff from Geary County, Junction City, Riley County, Manhattan, Ogden, Clay Center and Clay County. The role of the committee is to facilitate communication and coordination among the local planning jurisdictions and administrators.

Overall the process will be guided by the Joint Land Use Study Policy Committee, which will be comprised of elected officials or representations from Manhattan, Junction City, Ogden, Wakefield, and Riley plus Riley County, Geary County, Clay County, Fort Riley Garrison Command and the Kansas Governor’s Military Council. The jurisdictions are currently working to select members for the Policy Committee. A Request for Proposals is expected to be issued in July 2016 in order to commission a consultant team to conduct the work.

Gary Stith, FHRC Director, said “The JLUS process will be important to help our communities protect Fort Riley while allowing for the region to grow.