The State Finance Council has approved a transfer of funds to move forward with water projects across the state.
Governor Laura Kelly announced that $15.8 million has been transferred from the State Water Plan fund, for projects that will address water quality and quantity issues and infrastructure needs. The funds will be used in three areas:
- Long-term infrastructure solutions for Rattlesnake Creek Basin and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge that address water rights, increase water availability and supply, and support irrigation technology;
- The construction and rehabilitation of dams with the most pressing need for repair; and
- Water quality initiatives to support infrastructure projects in small towns, contamination remediation, and long-term groundwater quality monitoring.
This is part of a $35 million investment approved by the Governor and the Kansas Legislature into the State Water Plan Fund. The governor said in a press release, “This funding allows us to start on critical, shovel-ready projects that help our farmers and rural communities drive long-term, sustainable solutions to our water crisis.”
In addition, the Kansas Water Office is putting an additional $2.2 million towards High Plains Aquifer data collection, feedlot and dairy water reuse and reclamation, technical assistance to help communities access state or federal grants, and Water Plan education and outreach.
