NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (NRP) provides 10 years of reduced property tax rebate (from 95% rebate in years 1-5 and 75% rebate in years 6-10 for residential projects and a 75% rebate for all 10 years for agricultural, commercial and industrial projects). More information on the NRP can be found here.

Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) is the latest economic development incentive to draw people to work and live in Kansas. Effective July 1, 2011, the program allows individuals who have not resided in Kansas in the past five years to qualify for a state income tax rebatement for the following five years IF moving into a Rural Opportunity Zone county. Scott County is a ROZ. The program has another facet that involves repayment of student loans for post-secondary graduates for up to $15,000 over 5 years ONLY WHILE student is residing in a ROZ. Scott County has opted into this program also. Only loans associated with accredited schools will qualify. In-state and out-of-state students may qualify. Talk to Katie at SCDC and ROZ sponsorship before you apply! Application is made directly to the State of Kansas. To apply for the Rural Opportunity Zone benefits.

Every year, harvest is a huge part of the Scott County dynamic. The Scott County Development Committee is happy to announce the beginning of the “Grain for Graduates” program. SCDC has collaborated with the Scott Community Foundation, Scott Coop Association and Kirk Grain Company to accept grain donations for the Scott County ROZ fund. Grain donations, of any amount, accepted at Scott Coop Association and Kirk Grain Company will go directly toward the Scott County ROZ fund. One could consider the “Grain for Graduates” program a reverse-scholarship that supports young educated residents moving into Scott County who contribute immediately to our economy. Over time, families grow, children attend Scott County Schools and Scott County insures itself against the dreaded “brain drain”.

Please consider making a one-time donation of grain or donations after harvest every year. Scott County’s economy grows stronger as more people with degrees in higher education join our community.