Jun 17, 2019, 11:26 AM by Katie Ingels

For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2019

Contact:
For More Information:
Katie Patterson-Ingels
(785) 296-3185, katie.ingels@kwo.ks.gov                                                                                  

Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative Accepting Applications
Lands eligible for assistance to enhance reservoir sedimentation reduction

Kansas Water Office Acting Director Earl Lewis announced today applications are being accepted for round two of the initiative to enhance sediment reduction efforts above four federal reservoirs including Fall River, Kanopolis, John Redmond and Tuttle Creek.  These reservoirs have lost 35, 39, 40 and 46 percent of their water supply storage, respectively. Lands located in targeted sub-watersheds in Butler, Coffey, Ellsworth, Greenwood, Lyon, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington Counties are eligible for assistance.

The Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative was funded by the 2019 Kansas Legislature as part of a partial restoration of the State Water Plan Fund to address priority Kansas Water Vision projects recommended by the Kansas Water Authority. 

“The Kansas reservoir system is critical for our citizens in both flood and drought, and their storage is being greatly diminished by sediment,” said Lewis. “Watershed protection is our most economical means of maintaining our surface water supplies.”

Under this Initiative, the Kansas Departments of Agriculture, Health and Environment, Kansas Water Office and the Kansas, Neosho, Smoky Hill-Saline and Verdigris Regional Advisory Committees are collaborating to prioritize projects that will yield the greatest sediment reduction per dollar invested.  

“I appreciate the leadership of our Regional Advisory Committees in the development of action plans to address this critical water issue in Kansas,” said Kansas Water Authority Chairman Gary Harshberger.  

Landowners interested in participating are encouraged to contact their local county conservation district or Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Coordinator to apply. Many sediment reducing Best Management Practices are eligible through this initiative, however, projects focusing on large gully repair and soil health practices such as reduced tillage, nutrient management, and cover crops are highly encouraged. Applications for the Initiative will be accepted through July 31. 

For additional information, please visit www.kwo.ks.gov.