WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced an investment of $57 million to upgrade Dodge City’s water treatment process and infrastructure. A news release from the governor’s office said, “The project advances the Kelly administration’s work to address the state’s water quality and quantity needs.”
“By exploring every avenue for investment into our water infrastructure, we are making progress to address Kansas’ water crisis,” Kelly. “When we work together – pooling resources across federal, state, and local government – we can significantly impact the future of water for the region.”
The project in Dodge City aims to strengthen the city’s process of discharging treated wastewater into the Arkansas River streambed.
“There, it will infiltrate into the Ogallala Aquifer and provide additional groundwater at the city’s existing well sites. Once complete, 4,147 acre-feet, or 1.3 billion gallons, of recycled water is expected to be available annually,” the governor’s office explained.
The $57 million investment in part. includes $14,250,000 awarded to Dodge City from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The federal funding combines with $22,750,000 from the City of Dodge City and $20 million from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund to reach the $57 million total.
“From the water in our taps to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure impacts many aspects of our lives, including where we can build homes and businesses,” said Representative Sharice Davids, KS-03. “Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re making targeted investments in local infrastructure, which enhances safety, efficiency, and our ability to meet future development needs. I’m committed to building stronger, more resilient communities all across our state.”
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