Federal Funding to Support Local Projects in Ogden and Keats

(RILEY COUNTY, KS - April 16, 2025) Two communities in Riley County will benefit from recent federal funding awards that support critical infrastructure and community development.

The City of Ogden has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Thriving Communities Program, with an award of $50,000 to support planning for the Riley Avenue Corridor. The program offers two years of technical assistance to help communities develop transportation, housing, and revitalization projects. Ogden's selection means it will also gain access to peer-learning opportunities through Communities of Practice established by the program.

In Keats, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially obligated funding for the Keats Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project, including an additional $492,000 in grant funds, bringing the total grant contribution to over 87% of the project's estimated $4.8 million cost.

"This major investment in the community will improve sanitary sewer infrastructure while keeping costs as low as possible for residents," said Amanda Webb, Director of Riley County Planning and Development and Environmental Health. "We're grateful for this support and excited to help provide long-term solutions for Keats."

The 65 households Keats Sewer Benefit District will be responsible for a $617,870 USDA loan, which will be assessed as a special property tax. This represents about 13% of the total project cost, with each household expected to pay approximately $420 annually over 40 years as a special assessment in their property tax bill. In addition, users will cover operations and maintenance costs for the system, estimated at about $64 per month per household.

The sanitary sewer system will include a state-regulated and county-maintained lagoon, which must be fenced, gated, and regularly maintained. Lagoons are a common wastewater treatment solution in both public and private systems across Riley County.

Keats has faced long-standing infrastructure challenges due to historical development patterns.

"When the Rock Island Railroad laid out the homesites for Keats in 1887, there was no indoor plumbing, zoning, or sanitary regulation," explained Webb. "Later, septic systems were added, but those systems have a limited lifespan and can't be replaced on many of the small lots under today's regulations. Without working sewer systems, homes are not considered habitable under health and safety standards."

Riley County Commissioner John Ford shared "Federal grant programs like these help communities overcome costly infrastructure challenges and support long-term sustainability for rural areas."

Grant Funding Acknowledgement

Technical Assistance for the Keats Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project is funded in whole by the State of Kansas Water Plan Fund.

Construction for this project is funded by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance Program and American Rescue Plan Act funds.