A group of Kansas House members has filed legislation that would add three southeast counties to the state's rural opportunity zone program.
The bill is sponsored by Republican Representatives Jim Kelly of Independence, Michael Houser of Columbus, Virgil Peck of Tyro and Richard Proehl of Parsons.
Their 2014 legislation would add Cherokee, Labette and Montgomery counties, which are located on the Oklahoma border.
Governor Sam Brownback established the Rural Opportunity Zones program in 2011.
It provides incentives to help draw new residents and businesses to counties where populations had dropped by 10 percent in the previous decade.
People who move to the participating counties are eligible for income tax waivers, as well as tuition repayment for up to five years.
Seventy-three Kansas counties already participate.
