Category Archives: Government

City Works to Replenish Water to Marmaton River From Lake Fort Scott

Bourbon County is part of the section of the state of Kansas in emergency drought status. Submitted graphic.
The City of Fort Scott staff opened the Lake Fort Scott valve four turns today to help replenish some of the water lost in Rock Creek, according to Brad Matkin, the city manager.
The city gets its water supply from the Marmaton River, as do many outlying areas. The 50-acre Rock Creek Lake is an integral part of the city and rural water reserve systems.
“The Marmaton River is down to 8.3′ and we need it to be 9.5′-10′,” he said. “We will monitor this for the next several days. Still in Water Warning stage #1. There is a video on the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page.”
Bourbon County was declared by Governor Kelly that it is in a drought emergency in mid-August.

Funding to Create New Child Care/High Speed Internet Awarded Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded $40M to Build Community Multi-Purpose Facilities, Expand Access to Child Care

TOPEKAGovernor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund announced today that Kansas has been awarded $40 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury for a new program, the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator (CPF Accelerator). The program will provide local communities with funding to build or renovate multi-purpose facilities that create new licensed child care slots and provide Kansans access to high-speed internet for digital work, health, and education supports.  

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant program is another example of how my administration is finding new ways to expand access to affordable, quality child care and other essential community services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This grant opportunity will enable more communities to work with local businesses to meet a pressing need for Kansas families.”

In June 2023, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund’s Child Care Capacity Accelerator awarded more than $43 million to 52 organizations and partnerships across Kansas. The new CPF Accelerator grant opportunity builds on that momentum by providing prospective grantees a new funding source for the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of community facilities and other capital improvement for community-driven projects and programs. This funding is the latest effort to support the state’s rapidly growing work in early childhood and boost communities in scaling up their facilities to serve families and children.

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator is another exciting chance to invest in the infrastructure needed to increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare as well as a full range of programs and services to help families meet basic needs,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “The Kansas Children’s Cabinet is proud to continue our work to champion community-driven solutions to the multi-faceted challenges facing families with young children today.”

The RFP is available here, with two submission deadline options. The first-round application deadline is Oct. 2, 2023, and the second-round deadline is Dec. 18, 2023. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund encourages applicants to decide which deadline is appropriate for their project as there is no advantage or consequence in applying by either deadline. Applications will be submitted online via the Kansas CommonApp portal.

Kansas was previously awarded $83.5 million from the Capital Projects Fund to build reliable broadband infrastructure and extend high-speed internet to more than 24,500 homes, businesses, schools, health care facilities, and other public institutions in underserved counties across the state. A portion of Kansas’ $40 million award for the CPF Accelerator will be used to assist in the administration of the program. Combined with the Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant programs, these two funding opportunities will infuse more than $83 million into Kansas’ early childhood care and education sector.

Click here to learn more about the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Wishing Kansans a Happy Labor Day
Kansas is home to hard workers and major industries that support agriculture, aviation, health, science and more across our nation and the world. Thank you to all who contribute to make Kansas a great state to work, live and raise a family.

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Miles Across Kansas
While traveling across Kansas during the August Work Period, I added almost 6600 miles to my truck. Thank you to all the Kansans I met with during my time back home.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

KS Tourism Grants Available

Governor Kelly Announces $1M Available for Tourism Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.

“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”

A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions.

“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”

Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience.

“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”

For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click here or email Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.

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Skubitz Plaza Mural Completed

Ist Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment mural. August,2023.

The local historic depiction of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment is completed.

The mural faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the place of the mustering of the regiment during the American Civil War.

St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc worked on the mural for a week in August with temperatures over 100 degrees.

The new mural was created by Cbabi Bayoc, pictured here in a submitted photo.

“The project took six days to complete,” Bayoc said in an interview. “I started spray painting the sketch on Monday and made final touches on it Saturday afternoon. The only long day was Wednesday which was crucial in getting it done on schedule.”

He worked from afternoon to evening because of the location of the mural on the north side of the building. That week of August 2023 the community experienced over 100 degrees daily.

“The heat was a definite factor,” Bayoc said. “It cut my days shorter than I am used to spending on murals of this scale. Also the rail and the steps made for some interesting body maneuvering to get the soldier on the left and the banner bottom middle done.”

Bayoc describes his work and its meaning.

“I chose the soldier with the flag because black folks always hoped going to battle for the country would gain their rights and respect as citizens,” he said. “The ad (To Arms! To Arms!) was crucial because putting guns in the hands of black soldiers was crucial to the (Civil War/slavery) times and foreshadowed their being the first regiment to see battle. I like the line created by the rifle and what it adds to the design. Their name and regiment number flank the left side and of course, elements from the battalion flag provide the backdrop.”

 Fort Scott left a good impression on the artist from St. Louis.

“The folks we interacted with were warm and inviting,” he said. “My wife and I thought the downtown was gorgeous. We look forward to returning in October.”
The revealing and acknowledging of the mural will be during the annual Gordon Parks Museum Celebration the first weekend in October.
To learn more about that event:
 

The public is invited to join the “Free To Serve” mural unveiling on Friday, October 6 from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This is in honor and tribute to the regiment’s sacrifice and willingness to serve during the Civil War.
The mural is located at the north downtown building at 9 South Main St, near Skubitz Plaza, facing the Fort.

“We will veil the mural before out-of-town guests arrive for the Gordon Parks celebration for a more grand reveal, but until then the mural is available to be photographed,” Rachel French, coordinator of the project for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division said.

 

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity awarded funding for the project, along with several local benefactors.

FSHS Tiger Newsletter

A message from Pam Hutchison:
Thank you for your support of FSHS! GO TIGERS!

Tiger Cheer!

Front Row, sitting, from left: Ava Johnson; Katlyn Parker; Julia Maloun; Kinley Dillow; Jerri Smith

Middle Row, kneeling, from left: Camrie Hunziker; Sadie Claypool; Emilly Moore; Jaidyn Crumby; Anna Farrington; Molly Claypool

Back Row, from left: Elsa Bishop; Maddi Cook; Jocelyn Fess; Carsen Allen; Mesa Casper; Cadence Hunziker; Emersyn Logue; Gabbi Majors

Varsity Lady Tiger Volleyball!

Front Row, kneeling from left: Eden Haught; Hadlee Tuck; Hadley Forester; Raveyn Kegler; Avery Stewart

Back Row: Head Coach Terra Kegler; Dakota Hazelbaker; Keegan Yarick; Kylee Comstock; Sydney Pruitt; Brylie Shaub; Assistant Coach Kevin Flanner

Junior Varsity Lady Tiger Volleyball!

Front row, kneeling from left: Anna Farrington; Jillian Belcher; Kynlee Hampton; Mallorie Hall; Molly Hoyt; Gracin Pitts; Raylee Cowan

Back row, standing from left: Rhyla Lewis; Jacee Rogers; Makayna Woody; Tuesday Glessner; Kinsey Simons; Aubrey Yarick; Simran Caldwell; Sadie Claypool; JV Coach Selena Alvarado

Tiger Cross Country!

Front Row, seated from left: Jessie Harper; Alyssa Popp; Sofeea Anderson; Jocelyn Fess; Kodi Casper

Middle Row, kneeling from left: Mason Mumbower; Josh Woellhof; Gavin Catalano; Jaxson Schafer; Landon McDaniel

Back Row, standing: Abigail Eastwood, manager; Mesa Casper; Cody Geiger; Ben Davenport; Hunter Harrington; Trevin Worthing; Carsen Allen; Hannah Peck, manager

Lady Tiger Golf!

Front Row, from left: Emma Martin; Riley Findley

Middle, from left: Luci Dunkeson; Lillian Jackson; Alyssa Hunt

Standing in the back: Head Coach Julie Heatherly and Assistant Coach Jon Barnes

KS August Tax Collections Are Below Estimate

August total tax collections at $640.1 million; 3.7% below the estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas closed August with total tax collections at $640.1 million. That is $24.5 million, or 3.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 1.9% from August 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $299.3 million. That is $25.7 million, or 7.9% below the estimate, and down 2.6% from August 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $25.1 million, or 25.5%, higher than the estimate and up 62.3% from August 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.9%, below the estimate and down $10.5 million, or 3.5%, from August 2022.

Click here to view the August 2023 revenue numbers.

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Help For Saving Energy and Lowering Monthly Bills

KCC approves energy efficiency programs for Evergy customers

 

TOPEKA – In a 2 to 1 vote this morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a settlement agreement pertaining to Evergy’s application for a Demand-Side Management (DSM) Portfolio featuring nine energy efficiency programs aimed at helping customers save energy and lower their monthly bills. Today’s decision is not related to Evergy’s pending rate case, which is a separate docket.

Discussions on the Energy Efficiency program application have been ongoing between Evergy, Commission Staff, and other stakeholders since the application was filed in December 2021. Agreement on the program offerings came relatively quickly. However, determining the best way to measure and fund the programs resulted in differing opinions.  Due to KCC staff concerns regarding potential cost, the Commission was presented with two proposals — a full slate of nine programs including PAYS® or a modified, lower cost option featuring only five programs.

The original nine-program offering was approved today with conditions attached to help ensure accurate performance measurements and fiscal accountability while avoiding duplication of funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act.  The approved settlement agreement is expected to have a total bill impact of less than 1-2% to implement and maintain the energy efficiency programs, while producing lower overall costs for customers in the long run. These costs will not appear on customer bills until mid-2025 at the earliest.

Commissioner Dwight Keen filed a dissenting opinion (included in the docket with today’s order) explaining his preference for a cost effective alternative DSM Energy Efficiency proposal that he believes provides substantial benefits to Evergy ratepayers at a significantly lesser cost, and more directly addresses his concerns regarding a possible duplication of incentives contained in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Today’s order states:

“The Commission’s view of “just and reasonable rates” and “the public interest” is broader than immediate bill impacts. The Commission must evaluate not just the cost of programs, but also what customers are receiving for that cost. Here, customers are gaining access to programs that allow them to better control their energy usage and their bills. The Commission received very positive feedback from the public that they want access to these types of programs.

“While there is ample evidence that the system as a whole will benefit from the KEEIA portfolio, the Commission is also compelled to provide opportunities for low and fixed income customers to control their bills. In the Commission’s view, programs serving these communities make rates more just and reasonable for all. The continued absence of energy efficiency tools for these communities contributes to less just and reasonable rates.”

The order also references the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA) K.S.A. 66-1183, previously passed by the Kansas Legislature.

“Nearly ten years ago, the Kansas Legislature and Governor set State policy promoting the establishment of cost-effective energy efficiency programs. At that time, it became the policy of this State to help utility customers use energy more efficiently and in a manner that sustains or enhances those customers’ incentives to use energy more efficiently. The intent of this Order is to implement the goals of our State’s highest policymakers and ensure those Kansas residents and businesses with the greatest need to control their bills have options available to do so.”

The nine programs approved today include the following:

1) Whole Home Efficiency Program: Provides rebates, discounts, and on-bill financing for HVAC and building envelope measures in single and multifamily residences. It will also provide no cost energy assessments and discounted energy savings kits.

2) Home Energy Education Program: Helps rural and low-income customers use energy more efficiently through marketing, outreach, and education.

3) Home Demand Response Program: Helps customers reduce their energy use during peak demand periods. It also provides opportunities for customers to receive free thermostats and water heater controllers.

4) Hard-to-Reach Homes Program: Provides enhanced incentives, no-cost home upgrades, and no-cost energy assessments and savings kits for low-income and rural customers.

5) Whole Business Efficiency Program: Provides both variable and fixed incentives to help business customers install efficient equipment and building envelope improvements.

6) Business Energy Education Program: Provides tools, resources, and guidance for businesses interested in saving money on energy. The program focuses on small businesses.

7) Business Demand Response Program: Helps business customers decrease their energy usage during periods of peak demand.

8) Hard-to-Reach Businesses Program: Offers enhanced incentives to small businesses and non-profits.

9) Pilot Incubator Program: Creates a pathway to identify and evaluate new DSM program concepts to meet changing customer needs and integrate evolving technologies.

More details and the timeline for implementation will be shared as the programs are developed.

Today’s order is available here. A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

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Birth Certificates in Kansas Must Reflect Biological Sex of the Person

Kobach statement on Foster v. Stanek order

TOPEKA – (August 31, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued the following statement in response to the Court’s order in Foster v. Stanek:

“The Court’s opinion was well reasoned and thorough. The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law. The Court held that SB 180 means what it says – birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law.  Today’s decision is a rejection of the activists’ and Governor Kelly’s attempt to twist the English language beyond recognition. The Court has told the Governor what the law clearly means. We now expect the Governor to follow the law and cease changing birth certificates to something other than biological sex at birth.”

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Bourbon County To Receive $1Million for Bridge on 60th Street, South of Uniontown

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has made bridge funding awards to projects including one in  Bourbon County.

Governor Kelly Announces 35 Local Bridge Projects Across Kansas to Receive $42.3M

DODGE CITY – Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that 35 local and off-system bridge projects across the state will receive a combined total of $42.3 million as part of two local bridge improvement programs that capitalize on new revenue from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is nearly $48.8 million. By reshaping the local bridge programs to take advantage of BIL, the Kansas Department of Transportation more than doubled its annual funding as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).
“A stronger transportation system and safer bridges keep our communities and economy moving,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas, all of which are essential to getting people and goods where they need to go. Yet almost 5,000 of those bridges simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work.”
The project announcements took place in Dodge City to highlight the largest local bridge grant being awarded:  $7 million for the construction of a new northbound bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. Dodge City is matching $2 million toward the $9 million total cost of the new bridge.
In addition to Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed, Dodge City Mayor Michael Burns and Representative Shannon Francis, Liberal, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, participated in the announcement.
“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,” said Secretary Reed. “The needs are high, and these programs allow KDOT to assist communities move projects forward that support the transportation needs of Kansans.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge program (OSB) is awarding $20.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 funds to 20 projects across the state. The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) is awarding $21.8 million in Fiscal Year 2024 KDOT funds to 15 projects, with 16 deficient bridges to be replaced and an additional 12 to be permanently removed from local systems.
The OSB and KLBIP are targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.
For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 176 applications requesting $162.4 million.
The list of recipients and project locations for KLBIP and OSB are below. A link to a map showing the projects can be found here.
2024 Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program Projects
Local Government Agency Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local % Match Requirement Maximum KDOT Match Funds Funds for Bridge Removal Maximum Funds Awarded
Doniphan County RS 2128 – 2.7 miles west, 0.2 mile south of Highland $86,503 10% $700,000 $50,000 $750,000
Leavenworth County Golden Road – 1.9 miles, 3.0 miles east of Linwood $737,117 20% $2,000,000 $2,000,000
Lyon

County
Road P – 7.0 miles west, 0.5 mile south of Neosho Rapids over Cottonwood River $736,025 15% $3,000,000 $3,000,000
Marshall County 24th Road – 2.7 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Bettie over Robidoux Creek Tributary $6,000 10% $437,000 $83,000 $520,000
Osage

County
RS 1471 – 2.0 miles east, 0.2 mile north of Lyndon $256,306 10% $1,112,500 $62,500 $1,175,000
Lincoln County 183rd Road – 1.9 miles south, 0.8 miles west of Lincoln $20,982 0% $1,050,000 $50,000 $1,100,000
Marion

County
310 Road – 2.0 miles south, 0.9 miles east of Tampa 10% $275,000 $50,000 $325,000
Mitchell County J Road – 1.3 miles south, 2.2 miles east of Beloit over Plum Creek $9,012 5% $683,000 $142,000 $825,000
Russell

County
182nd Street – 11.0 miles south, 2.0 miles west of Russell over Landon Creek $96,838 5% $900,000 $900,000
Elk

County
Osage Trail – 0.1 mile south of Moline over Wildcat Creek Tributary $65,521 0% $ 750,000 $ 750,000
City of

Bel Aire
North Oliver – south of East 45th Street $98,173 20% $180,000 $180,000
Harper

County
N.W. 110 Avenue – 0.5 miles west, 3.7 miles north of Attica over W. Branch Bluff Creek $78,213 5% $580,800 $69,200 $650,000
Rice

County
22nd Road – 6.0 miles east, 1.8 miles north of Sterling over Cow Creek $147,205 10% $1,500,000 $1,500,000
Sumner County N. Oliver Road – 2.1 miles north of Belle Plaine over Cowskin Creek Tributary $315,478 10% $1,095,500 $54,500 $1,150,000
City of

Dodge City
14th Avenue – Northbound over Arkansas River $2,061,197 15% $7,000,000 $7,000,000
TOTAL $4,714,570   $21,263,800 $561,200 $21,825,000
 
 
 
2025 Off-System Bridge Program Project Recommendations
Local Government Agency Bridge Location Local Cost        (match/non-participating, utilities, etc.) Local Cost % Maximum Funds Awarded (covering 100% of Construction and CE)
Jefferson

County
McCall Road – 1.9 miles north of Oskaloosa over

Slough Creek
$84,632 6.7% $1,400,000
Jackson County 246th Road – 1.0 mile south of Circleville over

Elk Creek Tributary
$51,871 8.4% $750,000
Nemaha County O Road – 0.5 mile south, 1.5 miles east of Kelly $62,245 6.8% $950,000
City of Atchison Patriot Street – over Brewery Creek, one block west of U.S. 73 $117,939 10.3% $1,200,000
Morris

County
K Avenue – 2.2 miles south, 0.6 miles east of White City over West Fork Neosho River $98,282 12.7% $750,000
Washington County W Washington Street – in Hanover over Little Blue River Tributary $90,638 9.0% $1,000,000
Dickinson County 1100 Avenue – over Turkey Creek, 2.6 miles east of K-15 $103,742 8.5% $1,250,000
Sheridan County 125 E – 14.9 miles south, 12.5 miles east of Hoxie over Saline River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Decatur County L Lane – 0.4 mile west of Clayton over

Prairie Dog Creek
$46,411 5.3% $1,000,000
Trego

County
EE Road – 13.0 miles south, 5.6 miles west of Trego Center over Sand Creek $50,779 5.7% $950,000
Graham County DD Road – 6.0 miles south, 1.3 miles east of Densmore over Bow Creek $50,233 4.3% $1,200,000
Sherman County 32 Road – 1.4 miles north, 3.0 miles east of Edson over South Fork Sappa Creek Tributary $44,773 8.7% $500,000
Norton

County
Road BB – 1.3 miles east of Lenora over North Fork Solomon River $50,233 5.1% $1,000,000
Bourbon County 60th Street – 5.9 miles south, 1.0 mile west of Uniontown over Hinton Creek Tributary $76,442 7.7% $1,000,000
Franklin County Texas Road – 1.0 mile east, 3.4 miles south of LeLoup over Walnut Creek $108,110 10.1% $1,000,000
Allen

County
Nebraska Road – 0.5 mile south, 3.2 mile west of Moran over Elm Creek $70,982 8.3% $850,000
Crawford County 690th Avenue – 1.0 mile north, 0.7 mile east of Walnut over Little Walnut Creek Tributary $93,914 10.4% $900,000
Cowley

County
232nd Road – 2.5 miles south, 3.5 miles west of Dexter over Grouse Creek $424,295 17.5% $2,000,000
Harvey

County
60th Street – 9.3 miles east of I-135 over East Whitewater Creek $87,362 8.9% $950,000
Rush

County
Avenue Q – 0.5 mile south, 1.9 miles east of Nekoma over Branch of Walnut Creek $62,791 8.0% $850,000
TOTAL   $ 1,741,275   $ 20,500,000
 
Photos from today’s announcement for media use can be found below.
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Splash Pad Closed Today Reopens For the Weekend, Then Closes For the Season

Per City Manager, Brad Matkin, Management Action #5 of the Water Warning Plan:

The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.

 

Here is the plan in its entirety as it has been posted:

 

Water Warning Plan

DROUGHT RESPONSE

Effective 8/30/2023

The City of Fort Scott addresses its short-term water shortage problems through a series of stages based on conditions of supply and demand with accompanying triggers, goals, and actions. Each stage is more stringent in water use than the previous stage since water supply conditions are more deteriorated. The City Manager is authorized by ordinance to implement the appropriate conservation measures.

Water Warning

Goals:

The goals of this stage are to reduce peak demands by 20% and to reduce overall weekly consumption by 10%.

Triggers:

This stage is triggered by any one of the following conditions:

  1. The City’s storage has fallen below 70 percent capacity and will not recover within a normal amount of time.

Education Actions

  1. The City will make news releases to the local media describing present conditions and indicating the water supply outlook for the upcoming week.
  2. Water conservation articles will be provided to the local newspaper.

Management Actions: What measures the city will do

  1. The City water supplies will be monitored closely.
  2. Leaks will be repaired within 24 hours of detection.
  3. The City will monitor its use of water and will curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and street cleaning.
  4. The City will curtail its water usage, including operation of fountains, watering of City grounds and washing of vehicles.
  5. The City of Fort Scott Splash Pad will be closed Wednesday 8/30, Thursday 8/31, and Friday 9/1 reopening on Saturday 9/2, Sunday 9/3, and Monday 9/4 from 8am to 7pm. After Monday at 8pm the Splash Pad will be closed for the season.
  6. Water will be drawn from the City’s reservoirs as needed.

Regulation Actions:

  1. The public will be asked to voluntarily make efficient use of indoor water, i.e., wash full loads, take short showers, do not let faucets run, etc.
  2. Outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing will be restricted to before 10:00 am and after 9:00 pm.
  3. All consumers will be asked to limit or eliminate nonessential water uses including, but not limited to the following uses:
  4. Watering lawns, shrubs, trees.
  5. Washing automobiles.
  6. Filling swimming pools or using water in fountains and evaporative air conditioning systems.
  7. Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset.
  8. Outdoor watering will be restricted to use of a hand-held hose or bucket only.
  9. Excess water use charges for usage of water over the amount used in the winter will be considered.
  10. Waste of water will be prohibited.

As of right now, the City water supply is not affected by the “Water Emergency” set by the Governor of Kansas. That emergency was to allow the counties noted to request water to be taken out of “state” water sources. The City of Fort Scott owns Lake Fort Scott and Cedar Creek is not a state-owned lake, so permission is not required.

Lake Fort Scott, Cedar Creek, and Rock Creek are the three sources we use to get water for the City of Fort Scott river intake system.

As of right now, Cedar Creek has a good supply of water, but we are taking water from this source daily, and we have not taken water from Lake Fort Scott. If we are forced to take water out of Lake Fort Scott, we will issue a Water Warning Stage #2 which will require additional water restrictions.

We are in a drought situation that must be taken seriously, and the City of Fort Scott will do whatever possible to maintain good levels of water for the citizens. Please help us by following the restrictions that have been imposed.

If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address below.

Thank you,

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

[email protected]