Salina’s economic development pipeline includes a range of active projects spanning manufacturing, energy, aviation, and redevelopment opportunities, according to the most recent information provided to the Salina Community Economic Development Organization board.
The prospect table presented to the board on December 18 outlines several initiatives in various stages of exploration or negotiation. While details for many prospects remain confidential due to business recruitment protocols, the scale and diversity of the projects are notable.
Key Projects in the Pipeline
- Energy Storage Facility: A project with an estimated investment of $330 million has been listed in the pipeline as an active prospect. Details indicate the investment would support development tied to energy storage technology and associated infrastructure.
- Construction Materials Manufacturing: A separate prospect involving manufacturing of construction-related materials is listed with a projected investment of $494 million and the potential to create up to 260 jobs.
- Central Mall Redevelopment (Destination Salina): A major redevelopment initiative for the Central Mall site is part of the pipeline, listed at approximately $146 million. This project is moving toward required public hearings for establishment of a STAR Bond district, a designated financing tool for large commercial and tourism-related developments.
- Manufacturing and Aviation Opportunities: Additional prospects include projects tied to manufacturing operations and aviation-related facilities, some involving rail access and expansion of industrial capacity. These projects vary in size and scope and remain in earlier stages of negotiation.
What a Project Listing Means
Prospects in the economic development pipeline typically represent preliminary discussions between local economic development officials and prospective companies. Inclusion in the prospect table does not guarantee that a project will move forward or result in local investment; rather, it indicates active recruitment or exploration based on potential interest and preliminary criteria.
Projects listed with estimated investment figures and job projections are drawn from confidential discussions between prospective developers, economic development staff, and sometimes external consultants. Final terms, including specific commitments, financing, and public approvals, are determined only after more detailed negotiation and due diligence.
Next Steps and Public Process
Some projects in the pipeline, such as the Central Mall redevelopment, will require public processes as they move forward. In that case, creation of a STAR Bond district—a financing mechanism for large-scale development—must be preceded by public hearings and City Commission approvals before any related revenue bonds can be issued.
Other prospects involving private investment may proceed through standard permitting, land use, and incentive review processes, depending on the nature of the project and local requirements.
Local Economic Context
These active prospects reflect ongoing recruitment efforts by city and regional economic development entities. Organizations involved in tracking and supporting these opportunities include the City of Salina, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, and SCEDO, which provides regular updates to its board and community stakeholders.
Salina311 will continue to monitor developments in the local economic development pipeline and report on key milestones as projects move through public approval and implementation phases.