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Minutes for HB2172 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Establishing the water program task force to evaluate the state's water program and funding for such program and requiring a report thereon to the legislature and the governor.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 13, 2025
Chairman Peck opened the hearing on HB2172.
Tamera Lawrence presented an overview of the bill. (Attachment 8)
Rich Proehl, former Representative/Carolyn McGinn, former Senator provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 9) (Attachment 10) They believe HB2172 will also assist legislators in developing a water plan that works for Kansans and ensure that state and local communities are able to secure access to safe water resources for all citizens of the state of Kansas.
Mr. Proehl stood for questions.
Jay Armstrong, Chairman of the Flinchbaugh Center for Food and Ag Policy provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 11) (Attachment 12) As HB2172 establishes the Water Program Task Force to evaluate the state's water programs and funding mechanisms, Mr. Armstrong emphasized the importance of ensuring that this Task Force has access to sound, research-based policy insights to inform its recommendations.
Mr. Armstrong stood for questions.
Wendi Stark, Legislative Liaison, The League of Kansas Municipalities provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 13) The League supports the establishment of the water program task force to evaluate Kansas' water program and funding.
Ms. Stark stood for questions.
Mike Lawless, The Water Assurance Districts of Kansas provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 14) Creation of a Water Program Task Force is essential for effective implementation of projects under the Kansas Water Plan.
Mr. Lawless stood for questions.
Joshua Svaty, on behalf of the Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 15) KMU on behalf of its members and over 900 public water systems across the State of Kansas supports the bill. "Managing Water" is a multi-faceted, 24/7 effort on the part of our member communities.
Mr. Svaty stood for questions.
Written Only Proponent testimony
Julie Lorenz - Former Secretary, Kansas Department of Transportation (Attachment 16)
Kent Askren - Public Policy Director Kansas farm Bureau (Attachment 17)
Dan Meyerhoff, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (Attachment 18)
Elmer Ronnenbaum, General Manager, Kansas Rural Water Association (Attachment 19)
Jackie Garagiola, Associate Counsel, Kansas Livestock Association (Attachment 20)
Bruce Chladny, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 21)
Eric Stafford, VP of Governmental Affairs, Kansas Chamber (Attachment 22)
Shahira Stafford, Kansas Cooperative Council (Attachment 23)
Ellen Parker, Water One (Attachment 24)
Chairman Peck closed the hearing on HB2172 at 9:19 a.m.
