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Legislature ensures funds spent on water projectsKansas A group of Kansas lawmakers met Aug. 25 with members of the Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District (GMD3) No. 3 staff and advisory committee, the Arkansas River Litigation Funds Committee and representatives from the Kansas Water Office, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources to discuss pending water projects to be funded by $9.8 million recently transferred from the state to the GMD3. Kansas Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, and House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, praised lawmakers for their foresight in both 1996 and 2008 in approving legislation that puts water settlement monies from the State of Colorado directly in the hands of those affected by Colorado's violations of the Arkansas River Compact. "During this last session, concern grew if the money was left in Topeka, it may--during a tight budget year--get used to pay for something else. By shifting the $9.8 million from the state to the local water district, we have ensured this money will be used for what it was intended," Speaker Neufeld said. The monies are part of $36 million the state received from Colorado. In 1996, the Legislature passed legislation that directed the damages recovered be used in areas affected by Colorado's actions. The affected areas include Finney, Hamilton and Kearny counties. "I am pleased the Kansas Legislature had the foresight to put the appropriate legislation in place, first in 1996, and then fine-tuning it this year to ensure the integrity of the fund. These grants will be invaluable in promoting the economic viability of the Arkansas River in Western Kansas," President Morris said. The GMD3 worked with the Water Office, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources and ditch irrigation companies to identify several projects that will improve the affected area's water delivery system and improve water conservation efforts. "Water is a precious commodity in western Kansas. These projects will help restore Lake McKinney, recharge the aquifer, and rebuild irrigation ditches to make sure the eastern most irrigation companies receive the water they are entitled to, all without having to worry whether the funding will be there to pay for the work," Rep. Powell, R-Garden City, who helped spearhead the Legislature's efforts to transfer the funds, said. The transfer funding legislation approved as part of the 2008 Omnibus Budget also created a local advisory committee to oversee the administration of the funds and projects already under development. "Colorado's actions of taking more water out of the Arkansas River than it should have caused tens of millions in lost economic opportunities for farmers and ditch irrigation companies in Finney, Kearny and Hamilton counties. It also affected the area's water quality and increased water taken from the Ogallala Aquifer," Rep. Gary Hayzlett, R-Lakin, who represents the affected area, said. "I am confident the GMD3 will make sure the work needed to reverse the damage gets done." The GMD3 advisory committee will consist of representatives from the ditch irrigation companies affected by Colorado's actions. "Partnerships that involve state, regional and local input like this ensure what is best for Kansas and its citizens is done and done correctly," said GMD3 Executive Director Mark Rude. "Through work with the Kansas Legislature and state water agencies, GMD3 and the advisory committee now have the ability to efficiently apply those funds to projects that will best benefit the water supply issues in the affected area. Kansans can take comfort in this example of the recognition by the Legislature that local control can bring out the best result and best use of funds." Reps. Jeff Whitham, R-Garden City; Carl Holmes, R-Liberal; Bill Light, R-Rolla; and Republican-nominee for the 118th House District Don Hineman, R-Dighton, also attended the Aug. 20 meeting. 9/8/08 Date: 9/4/08
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