A Kansas Department of Commerce KAN STEP grant for $299,932 will pay for materials and professional services for a new Library and Food Basket in Riley, located in west-central Riley County in NE Kansas.

The project, designed by Architect Dan Hall of BG Consultants, Manhattan, will be a 2,376 sq ft, pre-engineered metal building on a concrete slab. An existing building on the site in downtown Riley will be demolished to make way for the new facility estimated at retail cost of $526,770. This includes volunteer labor, donated land, equipment and services valued at $226,838.

Combined dimensions of the Library & Food Basket are 20 x 119 ft. The Riley Facility will house the City Library (20 x 50 ft), ADA accessible restrooms, mechanical & storage rooms (each 10 x 12 ft) and the Community Food Basket (20 x 40 ft). A unique feature of the building is the mezzanine, library reading room. Entrances are from street level in the front with an air-lock entry. Rear entry is from the alley at street level, also ADA accessible. The building interior is finished with insulation between exterior walls and drywalls. Interior walls are painted, flooring and all utilities installed.

The project sparkplug is Gary Mills with grant administration provided by Rose Mary Saunders of Ranson Financial Consultants, LLC, Wichita. KRWA provides inspection services and technical assistance to the volunteers.

The Riley Food Basket is a combined effort by 11 churches in the Riley area; the Food Basket serves all of northern Riley County and is totally financed by donations from the churches and private individuals. The existing facility in the basement of the Presbyterian Church has a steep, narrow staircase that limits access.