Capitol area planning and development; purpose; inclusion of certain territory; urban renewal

It is declared to be the purpose and policy of the state of Kansas to establish and effectuate a long-range plan of development of the capitol area in the city of Topeka and for that purpose to coordinate planning and construction of buildings which may be needed by the state, and to improve the management of traffic and beautification of landscaping of grounds in the capitol area. The purpose of the plan shall be to enhance and preserve the beauty and dignity of the capitol area and permanently to secure the area from undesirable commercial and industrial encroachment. The following described area is a portion of the state capitol area as that term is used in this act: Beginning at the northeast corner of tenth street and Jackson street; thence west along the north side of tenth street, extended, to the northwest corner of tenth street and Topeka avenue; thence south along the west side of Topeka avenue, extended, to the southwest corner of twelfth street and Topeka avenue; thence east along the south side of twelfth street, extended, to the southeast corner of the intersection of Huntoon street and Harrison street; thence northeasterly along the south side of Huntoon street, extended, to the east side of Jackson street; thence northerly along the east side of Jackson, extended, to the point of beginning, in the city of Topeka, Shawnee county, Kansas. The powers conferred by this act are for public uses and purposes for which public money may be expended. By reason of the major tornado disaster, which occurred June 8, 1966, to Topeka, Kansas, including the above area and the location of the above area to the existing state office building and facilities, portions of the above area should be purchased by the state of Kansas under an urban renewal project to be undertaken by the city of Topeka, and the urban renewal agency of the city of Topeka, under the urban renewal law of Kansas, with federal financial assistance as provided by title I housing act of 1949 as amended.