Salina was founded as the westernmost point of the ancient Indian trail along the Smoky Hill River. It was established as a trading post for prospectors bound for Colorado, westbound immigrants, and Native American tribes.

The river played a pivotal part in the economic, social and recreational life in Salina with milling, fishing picnicking, boating and swimming.

Construction of the diversion channel and levee system by the Corps of Engineers as part of the city’s flood protection plan. When this happened, the original river channel dried up and Salina’s identity with its historic river faded. This loss of identity took with it a loss of memories, stories, experiences, natural habitat and educational opportunities.

Comprehensive goal-setting initiative by City of Salina, Chamber of Commerce and several thousand citizens found the number 1 goal to be beautification of the river channel running through downtown.

Salina Shared Vision and Strategic Plan adopted by city commission, included 6 goals and actions related to the Smoky Hill River.

City commission authorized the Friends of the River to conduct public outreach.

City of Salina Commission authorized the preparation of a Master Plan to guide restoration and renewal of the Old Channel of the Smoky Hill River through Salina. The intent of the Smoky Hill River Master Plan was to identify appropriate planning, design and preliminary engineering responses to the specific opportunities associated with the restoration and redevelopment of the Old River Channel area of the Smoky Hill River. (Master Plan Phase 2)

.25% sales tax for $27 million project defeated (65.2% to 34.8% or 9,217 votes to 4,929)
Defeated in part by “Not Now” campaign (NOT a “no” to the project itself or the funding mechanism)

• This dollar figure was expected to cover:
  • Water flow, including culvert repairs, bridge replacements, sediment removal, etc.
  • Multi-use trails
  • Hardscape downtown river walk
• Misperception that the election was for a $72 million, 50-year plan as outlined in the long-term master plan, which included substantial private development forecasts
• Would have pushed the 8.2% Salina sales tax to 8.45%
• Economic issues at the time: mid-recession combined with a 1% state sales tax increase
• Defeated in part by “Not Now” campaign (NOT a “no” to the project itself or the funding mechanism)

The Friends of the River oversaw the Yes for a Better Salina Campaign for the passing of a increase of Salina’s sales tax. It passed in May 2016. It raises Salina’s sales tax from 8.40% to 8.75% for the next 20 years. $1.35 million a year for 20 years will be used for the renewal of the Smoky Hill River. The sales tax should raise an estimated $27,000,000.

Federal Transportation Department awarded the City of Salina a RAISE Grant for $22.1 million for 7 bridges, trails, lighting, 2 pedestrian underpasses, boat ramps, maintenance facility, 4^th Street mixed use project, part of the boardwalk, etc.  

Aesthetic Designs for the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project is completed. Final engineering is in progress for the RAISE project.