DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — Unlike many other rural cities, Dodge City is experiencing a strong economy that is making it an anchor in Kansas' southwest region.

The city, which as long marketed its Old West ties, has in recent years completed $86 million in renovations to its schools, a new $12 million waterpark, a $6 million addition to Boot Hill Museum, and attracted several new businesses. Most of the growth comes from the thousands of people who work in the region's slaughterhouses, Kansas News Service reported .

But city and business officials said the growth is hindered by a lack of a four-y...