Salina Leaders Advocate for Highway Patrol Training Academy Funding at Statehouse

Salina community and business leaders convened at the Kansas Statehouse on February 10, 2026, to discuss key local priorities with state legislators. The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual advocacy event, bringing together representatives from diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, education, housing, finance, workforce development, and small business.

Securing the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy

The primary focus of the delegation’s advocacy efforts was securing funding to retain the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy in Salina. A 2024 state legislative needs assessment identified challenges with the current Marymount Campus location and recommended reconfiguration to a site in West Salina, alongside other Kansas Highway Patrol assets. Leaders emphasized the facility’s importance as both a public safety asset and an economic driver for the region, supporting jobs, training, and long-term stability.

Kansas Highway Patrol Chief of Staff Murl Riedel stated, “Salina is the preferred location for the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Training Academy and Regional Troop Headquarters. Its central location, strong infrastructure, and community support enables us to train and deploy troopers efficiently statewide. Keeping the facility in Salina benefits public safety, supports workforce development, and represents the best path forward for KHP.”

Partnership with Kansas State University-Salina

A key component of the proposal involves locating the training facility on the Kansas State University-Salina campus. This partnership would allow for dual-leverage of existing infrastructure, including auditoriums, cafeterias, residence halls, and a gymnasium, significantly reducing project costs. The collaboration would also provide potential accreditation opportunities for trooper trainees and access to a recruiting pool for KSU-Salina, enhancing public safety course offerings in areas like aviation and drone training.

Initial estimates for a new training facility were projected at $258 million. Relocating to the KSU-Salina campus is expected to substantially lower these costs.

Continued State Investment in Salina

Local leaders highlighted the positive impact of recent state investments in Salina over the past five years, including funding for housing, workforce development, healthcare, and economic development. These investments have strengthened Salina’s quality of life and economic resilience, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for north central Kansas.

Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized, “Salina’s success is directly tied to thoughtful, sustained partnerships with the State of Kansas. The return on investment extends far beyond our city limits, supporting workforce readiness, public safety, healthcare access, and economic growth across the entire region.”

Magnolia Village Housing Development

The Magnolia Village housing development was cited as an example of successful state investment. The project received a $25 million matching grant to construct 500 units of multifamily and workforce housing in south Salina, attracting new employment candidates and benefiting companies like Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota, Schwan’s, and Vortex Companies.

Jamie Hall, Director of Real Estate for Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota, noted, “Addressing the housing shortage played a critical role in Kubota’s decision to bring new manufacturing opportunities to Salina. Our recent expansions and new construction were supported by the State of Kansas’ ongoing investment in our community.”

Collaboration for Regional Prosperity

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce partners with the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, the Salina Airport Authority, and Kansas State University-Salina in its government affairs efforts. Senator Scott Hill, R-Abilene, acknowledged the strength of this collaboration, stating, “When a community speaks with one clear, unified voice, it strengthens the case for state investment and helps deliver real results.”