ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Water conservation continues to be a hot topic throughout the state and soon, people will be able to make their thoughts known about just that.
Wednesday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the dates for the second round of local consult meetings to gather input on strategies for implementing the 2022 Kansas Water Plan. The September meetings will build on the first round of local consult and Regional Advisory Committee meetings held earlier this summer. Kansans can RSVP for the second round of meetings at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaterLC2.
“Preserving the quality and quantity of our water is an existential issue for our state,” Gov. Kelly noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “These meetings will help build a program that provides the collective, coordinated action on water conservation and quality that communities across Kansas need, in both the short and long term.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback through facilitated group discussions about:
• Updated investment scenarios based on feedback heard in round one;
• What criteria are most important as investment strategies are evaluated to achieve the Plan’s long-term goals around aquifers, reservoirs, and water quality;
• Setting objectives and identifying what Kansans think are reasonable actions to achieve them; and
• Preferred revenue sources to meet the objectives.
The Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment are conducting the local consult meetings Tuesday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 19; Tuesday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 26; and Monday, Sept. 30. People are encouraged to attend a meeting in their geographic region of the state.;
In addition to the in-person meetings, a virtual, on-demand meeting will be offered.
More information about the Water Plan implementation effort and the first round of local consult meetings are available at https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/kwa-strategic-planning.
Questions can be emailed to
