Secretary of Commerce David Toland to Participate in Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference

The Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, at the KU Memorial Union at the University of Kansas. Secretary Toland’s keynote address, titled, “Growing Kansas: A Look at Kansas Economic Development,” will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m.

At 1:00 p.m., Secretary Toland will be participating in a panel titled, “Conversation: Can Policies Spur Economic Development?” along with Rep. Jason Probst, Rep. Don Hineman and Sen. Julia Lynn.

What:             Kansas Economic Development Policy Conference

When:            9:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019

                     1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019

Where:          KU Memorial Union

         The University of Kansas

         1301 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045

Governor Laura Kelly’s appointments were submitted today to the Senate Majority Leader’s office in advance of the November 5, 2019, Confirmation Oversight Committee meeting.

The following appointees submitted:

• 1. David Herndon (R), Shawnee, Kansas Bank Commissioner
  2. Brad Stratton (U), Overland Park, KPERS Board of Trustees
  3. Kala Spigarelli (D), Pittsburg, Kansas Lottery Commission
  4. Ruth Stevenson (R), Olathe, Banking Board
  5. Rick Wiley (R), Westphalia, Public Employee Relations Board
  6. Dr. Michael Birzer (U), Wichita, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
  7. Patricia Hudgins (D), Manhattan, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
  8. Erica Andrade (D), Kansas City, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
  9. Laurel Michel (R), Salina, State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

In addition, paperwork was submitted on July 10 for:

• 1. Jeff Zmuda – Secretary, Kansas Department of Corrections

After the November 5, 2019, Confirmation Oversight Committee meeting, the Governor’s appointments will be voted on by the full Senate in the 2020 Legislative Session.

Agencies Warn of Seasonal Increase in Vehicle-Deer Crashes

TOPEKA – Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move this time of year, increasing the chances of deer-vehicle collisions.

Typically, the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes are in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks. In addition to the rut, deer are also on the move in mid-fall seeking new food sources and shelter as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.

“Wet weather this year may cause some deer to cross roads in new places and the additional vegetation growth could make deer harder to see until they are in the road. The approaching breeding season increases deer movement, and the cooler weather, along with young deer dispersing to find new home ranges, mean more deer may be crossing the roads.” said Levi Jaster, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Big Game Coordinator.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 10,734 (16.5 percent) of the 64,933 vehicle crashes reported in 2018 were deer-related (crashes in which a deer and vehicle actually collided, or the presence of a deer was a contributing circumstance). Although crashes involving deer occur throughout the year in every Kansas county, the highest number of crashes typically occur where there are the most vehicles. Sedgwick County had 418 deer-vehicle crashes reported in 2018, the most of any county, while Butler County followed with 384 reported deer-vehicle crashes.

“In addition to potentially causing human injuries and loss of life, deer collisions often cause significant vehicle damage that can lead to large expenses for the vehicle owner if not properly insured,” said Shawn Steward, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas. “Of the animal strikes reported by AAA Insurance policy holders during the five year period between 2014 and 2018, the average cost per claim was nearly $4,300.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) cautions drivers to refrain from making exaggerated maneuvers to avoid a deer in the road, lest a bad situation become even worse.

“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said the KHP’s Lt. Adam Winters. “Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

The agencies recommend the following to help motorists avoid crashes with deer:

• Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are more active.
• If you see one deer, watch for others, as they seldom travel alone.
• Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
• Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle/deer crashes have occurred in the past. Heed these warnings.
• Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the road ahead of you to watch for deer.
• Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer—the most serious crashes sometimes occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.
• Always wear a seat belt and use the appropriately-fitted child safety seats—they are your best defense should you be involved in a crash.
• Honk your horn with one long blast. A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.

If you do strike a deer, here are some additional tips:

• Slow down, move your vehicle to the shoulder if possible, and call for law enforcement. KHP dispatch can be reached at *47, Kansas Turnpike at *KTA, and local law enforcement at 911. Make sure you tell the dispatcher if the animal or your vehicle is still in the road.
• If you hit a deer or other animal, do not worry about removing the animal. Law enforcement can remove the animal from the road when they arrive. Don’t go near a wounded animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be unpredictable.
• Turn on your hazard lights and remain buckled up inside your vehicle. You are more protected this way, should a secondary crash occur.
• If you must be outside your vehicle, make sure it is as far off the road as possible, and do not stand between your vehicle and another one. Keep children buckled, and in car seats in the vehicle. Be vigilant and watch traffic to ensure they aren’t getting close to you.

Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

A salvage tag is required to remove a deer carcass, or any part of the carcass, from the crash site. Tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWPT game wardens.

KDA Provides Updated Reports on the Economic Contribution of Agriculture

Kelly Administration Begins Design of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for State

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced Monday they have kicked off the development of the “Framework for Growth” – a robust strategy to accelerate economic growth in the state of Kansas.

The announcement comes after a months-long search for a professional consulting services firm to help research and analyze the Kansas economy and deliver a comprehensive economic development blueprint for the state.

“The economic challenges facing Kansas require innovative solutions and a well-coordinated approach,” Governor Kelly said. “It’s been more than 30 years since the state had a formal strategy to accelerate economic development. The creation and implementation of a new economic growth strategy, along with other initiatives such as tax reform, will help ensure Kansas remains an attractive place for individuals and businesses alike.”

In coordination with members of Kansas businesses and economic development organizations, the Commerce team will develop the first economic development strategy for the state of Kansas since the Redwood-Krider report was issued in 1986.

“Kansas’ lack of a strategy has resulted in our state lagging in some key economic indicators such as GDP growth, population growth and labor participation. Under the leadership of Governor Kelly, I’m excited to announce that we have now embarked on a necessary journey to bring Kansas back to best in class,” Secretary Toland said. “To be competitive in today’s global economy, we must identify and pursue new, nimble economic best practices. It’s past time that we develop a thoughtful, strategic plan to guide Kansas forward.”

A steering committee consisting of economic development professionals, Kansas business leaders and Commerce staff has been created to guide the team through the planning process and the development of the Framework for Growth.

“Our local and regional economic development partners and business stakeholders are critical to our success as a state, so as we put together the team who would guide this process, it was important they were represented in the steering committee,” Toland said. “We also want to ensure that all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to be involved in this process and have created an online survey to capture feedback and allow individuals to share their ideas of how to create long-term prosperity for Kansas.”

The Department of Commerce selected McKinsey and Company as its partner for this important initiative. The work over the next several months will be broken into three phases: assessment and benchmarking, recommendations and best practices, and implementation planning. Each of these phases will be underpinned by ongoing stakeholder and public engagement, and the Department of Commerce will provide progress reports upon the completion of each phase.

For more information on the Kansas Framework for Growth, visit www.kansasgrowth.com.

FEMA Grant Awarded for High Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Program

$409,298 awarded for use on eligible dams in Kansas

The Kansas Water Office (KWO), with assistance from Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation applied for the FY 2019 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant. The approval was recently announced and Kansas is being awarded $409,298 in grant funds for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.

“Many Kansans were able to see firsthand benefits of dams helping to minimize downstream flooding this year across the state,” said Kansas Water Office Director Earl Lewis. “Utilization of resources such as this HHPD Rehabilitation Grant will help to ensure eligible projects will function properly into the future.”

The purpose of the HHPD Grant is to make funds available to eligible dams for technical, planning, design, and pre-construction assistance. Two eligible dams, McPherson County State Lake Dam and Lake Sherwood Dam, were part of this initial Kansas request to FEMA. Both were approved and there are 34 other eligible dams with the option to apply for the grant funds through KWO. In order for a dam to be considered eligible it must be a non-federal dam located in a state with a state dam safety program, classified as high hazard potential by the state dam safety agency, have an approved emergency action plan, and pose an unacceptable risk to the public.

“Overtime, some dams have been reclassified as high hazard structures and are now out of compliance,” and,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With the award of the HHPD Grant funds, we will have the ability to work with eligible dam owners throughout the state to bring their high hazard classified dams into compliance. Having these dams in compliance will reduce risks to the public, decrease flood potential, and in some cases, protect critical water supplies.”

The official and final grant award notification was received by the KWO on September 19 with three years to utilize funds. The KWO will again work with the KDA Water Structures Program and the Division of Conservation to revise the grant work plan to appropriately distribute the additional funds.

For more information about the grant please contact the Kansas Water Office at 785-296-3185 or email [email protected].

Governor to honor National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 6, 2019, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 6.

“Today, let us begin Fire Prevention Week by honoring all who put their lives on the line every day to protect people, property and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “We also must remember and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Kansas.”

The honor is extended for all fallen firefighters – such as veteran firefighter John Randle, 67, who served as a first responder and EMT for the Wamego Fire Department. After returning from a structure fire on January 1, 2018, Randle fell and suffered head injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.

“John Randle made lasting contributions in his community, and we are grateful for his dedication and commitment to helping fellow Kansans,” the governor said.

Governor joins other states in amicus brief supporting DACA

Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, Montana Governor among other supporters

Governor Laura Kelly today joined other states in legal action supporting the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Kelly joined Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, as well as Montana Governor Steve Bullock, in filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of DACA.

The friend-of-the-court brief, filed in Department of Homeland Security, et al., v. Regents of the University of California, et al., Case No. 18-587, opposes the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind DACA.

In the brief, Governor Kelly argues that rescinding DACA will cost Kansas millions of dollars in tax income and economic growth, while unfairly punishing undocumented Kansans who are contributing to the Kansas economy and enhancing the state’s culture.

“It goes without saying that we need Washington to finally fix our country’s broken immigration system. But here in Kansas, we care about the well-being of all of our children,” Kelly said. “We simply shouldn’t punish children for decisions their parents made years ago. That’s not who we are as Kansans.

“These young people have worked hard, attended our schools and continue to give back as teachers, nurses, police officers, or by serving in the military. They belong here, and we welcome their contributions in our communities and to our economy.”

In Kansas, nearly 6,000 DACA recipients generate $111 million in annual spending power and pay $12.6 million annually in state and local taxes. The Cato Institute conservatively estimates that rescinding DACA will cost the Kansas economy $1.76 billion over the next decade, while the Center for American Progress estimates that the Kansas economy would lose $335 million in annual gross domestic product (GDP).

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on Nov. 12, 2019. More than 25 governors or state attorneys general are participating in the case in support of DACA