By Abdullahi Lukman
A new House bill would increase annual funding for the Kansas Water Plan from $35 million to $60 million, as lawmakers push to address the state’s growing water crisis.
House Bill 2558, presented Tuesday before the House Water Committee, has drawn bipartisan support and no opposition.
The proposal would direct an additional $25 million from the State General Fund to water initiatives, with most of the increase adding $10 million each to the Water Projects Grant Fund and the Water Technical Assistance Fund.
The two funds were created under a 2023 law to help municipalities build and maintain water infrastructure. Since that law was enacted, demand for grants has exceeded available funding.
Wendi Stark, legislative liaison for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said only about 37% of applicant cities have received funding.
Connie Owen, testifying on behalf of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Water Office, described her stance as “neutral positive.”
She said the grants established under the 2023 law have significantly benefited communities across the state.
“The 2302 grants really made a difference for people and their communities all over the state,” Owen said, adding that agencies continue to hear calls for increased funding.
Rep. Jim Minnix, a Republican from Scott City and chair of the House Water Committee, introduced the bill. A similar measure passed the House last session but was not considered in the Senate.
Minnix noted that other states are investing heavily in water infrastructure, referencing Texas’ recent $20 billion water investment.
“Kansas is doing incredible things,” Owen said when comparing the state’s efforts to others. “But in terms of the comparison to what we could be doing, and the investment that other states make, it’s enormous.”
Lawmakers from both parties voiced support for the proposal. Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, a Democrat from Overland Park, called the program successful and worth continuing.
Rep. Doug Blex, a Republican from Independence, also endorsed the measure, noting the state has made progress after years of limited funding.
Water scarcity remains a pressing issue in Kansas. Many communities face dwindling supplies, and the Ogallala Aquifer, a critical water source in western Kansas, dropped by more than a foot last year.
Gov. Laura Kelly has identified the water crisis as a top priority in her final year in office.
A bipartisan task force formed last year to address the crisis has emphasized the need for sustained investment.
Minnix, who co-chairs the task force, urged committee members to review the bill carefully ahead of further discussion.
“This committee has been an extreme leader on water issues since ’23,” Minnix said. “I want you folks all to sleep on this, think about it and come back … so we can have a robust discussion.”
