This bill aims to enhance economic development in Kansas by allowing the creation of port authorities at the city or county level, specifically authorizing the unified government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, to establish such an authority. The legislation stipulates that the creation of port authorities must be approved by the legislature through the enactment of a bill. It amends K.S.A. 12-3402 to clarify the purposes of port authorities, which include fostering commerce, promoting the advancement of ports, assisting new and existing businesses, and maintaining employment opportunities. The bill also outlines the powers and limitations of these authorities, including the requirement for legislative approval for any modifications to their official plans.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 12-3402 and introduces new provisions regarding the governance and operational framework of port authorities. It specifies that a port authority can be created through cooperative agreements between cities or counties, and it establishes the process for tax levies related to port authority operations, which must be approved by the electorate. The bill also includes provisions for the dissolution of port authorities and the transfer of their properties, ensuring that obligations incurred by the authority do not become liabilities for the state or the creating cities or counties unless specifically approved by voters.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-3402