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Minutes for HB2732 - Committee on Water and Environment
Short Title
Authorizing the division of conservation of the department of agriculture to create and administer water banks.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 13, 2018
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2732.
Staff Nick Myers reviewed the sections of the bill (Attachment 16). Noting that current statutes authorize water bank charters, he said the bill would authorize the creation of water banks administered by the Division of Conservation. The bill also creates a water-bank fee fund and allows the Chief Engineer to exclude water banks administered by the Division of Conservation from any rules and regulations.
Jackie McClaskey, Secretary, KDA, testified in support of the bill (Attachment 17). She stated that long-term planning includes the leasing of water rights, and this bill would be a step toward promoting trading among water-right holders.
Earl Lewis, Kansas Water Office (KWO), stated that the KWO could support the bill in order to move forward with water-bank regulations (Attachment 18).
Written testimony in support of the bill was provided by Kent Askren, Kansas Farm Bureau (Attachment 19). Written testimony opposed to the bill was provided by Orrin Ferel, Big Bend GMD5 (Attachment 20).
The hearing on HB2732 was closed.
