Flint Hills Digital Campus Initiative Signals Major Economic Development Opportunity for Emporia and Lyon County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 2, 2026
CONTACT:
Casey Woods
Executive Director
Emporia Main Street
director@emporiamainstreet.com
www.emporiamainstreet.com
620-340-6430

Brad Kraft
Vice President
Regional Development Association
BKraft@EmporiaRDA.org
www.emporiarda.org
620-343-8860

EMPORIA, Kansas — Local and regional economic development partners are expressing excitement surrounding the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a large-scale digital infrastructure and technology initiative currently in the planning stages in Emporia and Lyon County.

The proposed project, led by Kanza Park Place LLC, represents a significant private investment opportunity designed to position the Flint Hills region within the growing digital infrastructure economy. Planning efforts continue in coordination with local and regional partners, including the City of Emporia, Lyon County, the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, Emporia Main Street, Emporia Enterprises, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Emporia, utility providers, and local educational institutions.

The Flint Hills Digital Campus is envisioned as a multi-phase innovation ecosystem that will support advanced computing, digital infrastructure, and related technology operations over time. Current activities remain focused on infrastructure planning, utility coordination, site development analysis, and public engagement.

Community leaders emphasized that the project remains in the planning and predevelopment phase, and that public transparency and community discussion will be important components moving forward.

“Emporia Main Street is excited to assist with this economic investment in our community,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “This investment represents modern jobs that will appeal to graduates of Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, an enhanced tax base that can provide reinvestment opportunities and property tax relief, and an influx of employment opportunities that pay well above the average salaries of the local area. We appreciate that a citizen and landowner from our region is spearheading this significant investment, and we look forward to utilizing this major development to reverse recent trends and grow our economy. For area citizens that remember the Wolf Creek power station development, we look forward to a multiyear influx of spending and support that will enhance our existing local businesses.”

Local economic development partners noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize the regional economy, diversify employment opportunities, and create pathways for local students and graduates to remain in the area while pursuing high-demand careers.

“This project will impact Emporia and Lyon County in manner not seen for decades; this will be a major step forward for our community—creating new opportunities today and a roadmap for growth and advanced technology for decades to come,” said Lyle Butler, President of the Regional Development Association. “This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our community, creating valued employment opportunities, adding to our tax base to the benefit of all in our community and provide the platform to attract industries and companies that will positively enhance the local economy.”

“Emporia Enterprises was founded to support growth in our community, and we believe this project reflects that mission,” said Kim Parks, Board Chair of Emporia Enterprises. “We are proud to support this development to strengthen Emporia’s future.”

“A project of this scale would have a meaningful impact on Emporia’s hospitality industry,” said Matthew Fowler, Director of Visit Emporia. “During construction and ongoing operations, the influx of contractors, technicians, and support staff would generate increased hotel stays, restaurant traffic, and local spending throughout the community.”
Project representatives stressed that public input will play an important role as discussions continue regarding infrastructure, utilities, zoning, and long-term community impacts.

“The Flint Hills Digital Campus represents an opportunity to engage the community in discussions about the future of economic development, technology infrastructure, workforce growth, and long-term regional competitiveness,” said Garrett Nordstrom, Kanza Park Place LLC. “We welcome public engagement throughout the planning process and look forward to continuing conversations with residents, businesses, local governments, and regional partners.”

The development team emphasized that the project will proceed through the standard public review and approval process, including zoning, planning, infrastructure coordination, and public meetings. Additional information regarding project milestones and future engagement opportunities will be released as planning advances.

The project team also acknowledged that digital infrastructure developments require thoughtful conversations surrounding utilities, infrastructure, and community impacts. Representatives of the project stated they are actively coordinating with utility providers and local officials to ensure responsible long-term planning throughout the process.
Additional information regarding the Flint Hills Digital Campus is available at https://www.flinthillsdigitalcampus.com/ .