SALINA, Kan. (AP) — The Salina City Commission has approved the first step in a process that could lead to a multi-million dollar overhaul of the city's downtown area. The commission on Monday approved using both sales tax revenue, or STAR bonds, and tax increment financing, or TIF, districts to help pay for the improvements. Deputy City Manager Mike Schrage says the proposed project is a long process and the commission's approval is was necessary before several other steps could be taken. The Salina Journal reports the preliminary plans for the project include a field house, an apartment complex, a family entertainment center, two museums, a hotel and room for several retail and entertainment venues. The project would cost an estimated $122 million and could create nearly 840 jobs.
