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Bill

HB 2623

Requiring the secretary of commerce and the secretary of wildlife and parks to jointly conduct a feasibility study regarding a potential state purchase of acorns resort and the designation of such location as a state park or the incorporation of such location into the existing Milford state park in Geary county.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas directs Commerce and Wildlife departments to study buying Acorns Resort and converting it to a state park in Geary County, either standalone or merged with Milford State Park.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2623

Legislative bill overview

HB 2623 directs Kansas's Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to jointly study the feasibility of the state purchasing Acorns Resort in Geary County and converting it into a state park, either as a standalone facility or by merging it with the existing Milford State Park. The bill essentially authorizes a planning study rather than approving any acquisition or development.

Why is this important

The study could lead to expansion of Kansas's state park system and potentially increase recreational access in Geary County. The outcome will determine whether taxpayer funds should be invested in acquiring private resort property and what the long-term operational and financial commitments would be for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Public funding and costs: No budget is specified; the state would need to determine if purchase and conversion costs are justified compared to other infrastructure priorities
  • Private property acquisition: Questions about fair valuation, negotiation terms, and whether eminent domain might be involved if the owner is unwilling to sell
  • Operational viability: Uncertainty about whether a converted resort would be financially sustainable as a state park, especially regarding maintenance, staffing, and visitor demand in this geographic area

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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