Mike Hayden, Sec. of Wildlife and Parks, Today's Speaker

Former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden has always been known for his love of the outdoors. It should come as no surprise that his interests now surround a development project in Shawnee County.

Hayden, a Paul Harris Fellow, comes from a Rotary family. His father has been an active member of the Atwood, KS Rotary club for fifty seven years.

"In fact, the Atwood Rotary club meets Thursday's at noon," he said. "So I suspect I know where my father is at this very moment."

In 2006, the Kansas Legislature enacted the Topeka-Shawnee County Riverfront Authority. The committee consists of members appointed by both the City of Topeka and Shawnee County.

"I always have enjoyed the Kansas river and have it right here in the capital city and its always been disappointing to me how people have taken it for granted. If you go back to the history of Kansas, Topeka is here because of the Kansas River."

The Kansas River is a navigatable river under the laws of the United States as is under the jurisdiction of the Corp of Engineers.

"Navigatable rivers in our state belong to the people," Hayden said. "They are public property between the high banks. There are three navigatable rivers in our state, the Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri."

Hayden acknowledged that the development of the riverfront has been an issue of concern for past community leaders, but it has taken legislation to move it forward.

"Until last year, we couldn't really coalesce around one activity," Hayden said. "The first thing the authority did was go out and raise about a hundred thousand dollars spread fifty-fifty between the public and private sector. Then they solicited requests for proposal for the development itself."

Ten firms submitted proposals for the development which have been reduced to two proposals.

"These are both prestigious firms who have experience in working with other communities in developing their riverfronts. The authority will be making their decision shortly."

The winning firm will then develop a plan in six months and it will be available for public comment.

"Then the proposal will be put before the voters,"Hayden said.