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Minutes for HB2331 - Committee on Commerce
Short Title
Designating Lehigh Portland state park.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 22, 2023
Chair Erickson opened the hearing on HB 2331.
Staff provided an overview of the bill.
Proponents:
Lisse Regehr, President and CE, Thrive Allen County, Iola Industries Board Member, spoke in favor of the bill. (Attachment 1) The creation of Lehigh Portland State Park would be a game changer for Allen County, Southeast, Kansas, and the State of Kansas. It holds boundless opportunities for exploration, recreation, adventure and education. They truly believe Lehigh Portland will be one of the top assets in the state of Kansas' Wildlife and Parks portfolio.
Linda Lanterman, Director of State Parks presenting for Brad Loveless, Secretary Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, appeared in favor of the bill. (Attachment 2) The bill provides a unique opportunity to enhance public recreational opportunities in the region since Iola Industries has generously offered to donate the property. The provision of the bill would be effective upon publication in the statue book.
Darrel Pulliam, Pittsburgh State University, resident of Crawford County, spoke in favor of the bill. (Attachment 3) Mr. Pulliam is a lifelong cycling advocate, cited the tourism potential, and see the trails as an amenity that enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth by building business friendly environments.
Don Erbert, Self, Iola, Kansas, appeared in favor of the bill. (Attachment 4) This is a very generous gift to every single person of the State, and ca not think of one downside to not accept the gift of Lehigh Portland State Park.
Written testimony in support of the bill was received by:
David Jordan, President and CEO, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (Attachment 5)
Proponent written testimony A - H (Attachment 6)
Proponent written testimony H - M (Attachment 7)
Proponent written testimony M - W (Attachment 8)
Neutral written testimony
Lou Henning, Deputy Secretary for Environment, Kansas Department of Health and Environment provided written neutral testimony. (Attachment 9)
Chair Erickson closed the hearing on HB 2331.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 am.
