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Minutes for SB358 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Amending the public water supply project loan program's definition of "project" to remove the definition's current exclusion of projects that are related to the diversion or transportation of water acquired through a water transfer.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 26, 2022
Chairperson Kerschen opened the hearing on SB358.
Tamera Lawrence with the Revisor of Statutes Office explained the bill by telling the committee that it would amend the definition of "project" in the public water supply project loan program to allow financing for public water supply infrastructure projects that acquire water through a water transfer.(Attachment 1)
Toby Dougherty testified in support of the bill. He explained to the committee that the cities of Hays and Russell own water rights in Edwards County and are pursuing a regional project to develop a sustainable source of water to provide a long term supply of water for a growing region. To do this they need to use the water transfer process as outlined in KSA82-a-1501. However, they are prohibited from using the Kansas Public Water Safety Fund. This bill will allow the use of money from the federal infrastructure bill to be used to accomplish this project.(Attachment 2)
Representative Barbara Wasinger spoke in favor of the bill. She told the committee about the efforts citizens of Hays are making to reduce water usage. The city instituted many water conservation efforts in 1990.Among other things, there are rebates for low flow toilets and high efficiency washing machines. Water usage in Hays has been reduced from 180 gallons per capita in 1983 to 90 gallons per capita in 2020.(Attachment 3)
Written proponent testimony was submitted by Jon Quinday, City Manager, Russell, KS (Attachment 4)
Tom Stiles told the committee that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is neutral on the bill. He told the committee that the 50 year Long Term Vision of Water Supply in Kansas recommended this particular prohibition be removed to enable communities to utilize all available tools to secure their water supply for the future. Therefore, the department has taken no position on the bill. (Attachment 5)
After a brief discussion period, Chairperson Kerschen closed the hearing on SB358.
Chairperson Kerschen then called for final action on SB358. Senator Doll moved and Senator Straub seconded to report SB358 favorably for passage. Senator Francisco told the committee that she wanted time to discuss the bill with a few officials from the Water Office. The committee agreed to take the final vote on SB358 at the next meeting.
With no further business before the committee, Chairperson Kerschen adjourned the meeting at 9:20.
