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Public comment sought on draft Smoky Hill River ecosystem restoration feasibility study

Kansas City District
Published Oct. 1, 2025
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. --

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared a draft Public Notice, along with a draft Feasibility Report and a draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the Smoky Hill River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study and Integrated Environmental Assessment and is seeking public input on these documents.

The Smoky Hill River is an integral part of the City of Salina's history - from power, navigation, local commerce, recreation and travel, the river has had a major impact on the city. However, due to a growing population and increased infrastructure development, the river has been impacted. 

In 1951, the City of Salina saw a 500-year flood event. After the Federal Levee System was established, 6.8 miles of perennial river channel flow through downtown was cutoff. The original Flood Risk Management plans included provisions to maintain nominal flow in the Old Channel for potable water and flood attenuation through the intake structure. In 2010, the City of Salina approved the Smoky Hill River Master Plan after soliciting public input. The project was converted from a CAP Section 1135 to a General Investigations Study in July 2024. 

USACE is seeking public comments on the draft documents during a 30-day review period that will close October 22, 2025. The public is invited to review the documents and provide feedback to help inform the final assessment.

A public meeting will be held on October 7, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Visit Salina Annex, located at 218 N 7th St., Salina, KS 67401. USACE representatives will be present to provide information and answer questions.

How to submit comments:

The public can submit comments pertaining to the Smoky Hill River feasibility study by emailing Katharine.E.Lynch@usace.army.mil

Accessing the documents:

The draft documents are available for review on USACE’s website at: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Programs-And-Projects/Smoky-Hill-Study/Documents/


Release no. 25-026

Smoky Hill River
feasibility study
Ecosystem Restoration
planning
public notice
public comment