Flint Hills have potential to create jobs, Sebelius says
State and local coalition
to work together to develop the Flint Hills region
Governor Kathleen Sebelius recently released the results of a year-long study that shows Kansas has an exceptional opportunity to create jobs and promote economic growth by developing a Flint Hills tourism industry. At an address to participants in the "Partners on the Prairie Celebration," held annually at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills, the Governor spoke about the importance of planning and teamwork as the key to the Flint Hills' success.
"The Flint Hills have a great potential to attract tourists and create jobs. We intend to take full advantage of that job-creation potential. That will require cooperation between the state and local governments, and local residents," said Governor Sebelius. "It is important to have locals involved from the get-go, so I'm very pleased to see the creation of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition."
The Flint Hills Tourism Coalition is a group of tourism professionals within a 22 county area of the Flint Hills region. This private sector group was formed earlier this year to promote the tourism potential of the Flint Hills. Highway 177 was recently designated as the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. And the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, located in the Heart of the Flint Hills, already IS attracting visitors.
"This is a time of great opportunity and great optimism for the future of the Flint Hills," said Governor Sebelius. "The work of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition is greatly appreciated."
The Flint Hills are unique to Kansas. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve contains some of the only remaining tallgrass prairie in the United States. Only five percent of the nation's tallgrass prairie remains and 95 percent of that exists in Kansas.
With a strong plan in place, the Flint Hills will provide an excellent opportunity for job creation. This region has a wide variety of attractions and sites, ranging from historic sites and museums to scenic overlooks and nature centers. Rural communities can use these assets to diversify their economies and create jobs.
Work will continue between the state and the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, as well as legislators and local leaders from the area to develop a sustainable plan for the future of this region. A plan is expected to be in place later this year to allow us to move forward together. Some elements of the plan are expected to include decreased grazing in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, as well as more walking trails, including one from Cottonwood Falls through Strong City to the Preserve.
