The Wichita City Council approved additional financing and construction plans for two huge infrastructure projects.
The council approved the final state loan agreement for the Northwest water treatment facility, totaling just over $76.3 million, with an interest rate of 2.05 percent.
They also gave the green light to an additional construction package for the biological nutrient removal plant. City officials call this construction the heart and soul of the project and the agreement totals nearly $147.7 million.
Mayor Lily Wu says the city is making important investments to Wichita.
By using federal and state financing, instead of traditional revenue bonds, the city will save taxpayers nearly $180 million.
The council also discussed their tourism budget and plans for 2025.
Visit Wichita, who promotes tourism, sporting events and meeting and convention activities for the city, receives annual funding from hotel taxes. President and CEO Susie Santo says every dollar spent on promotion drove back $88 in direct spending in the city.
Some of the notable sporting events coming to town in the next year include the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex, along with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships the NCAA Division I Men's basketball tournament at Intrust Bank Arena.