Sarah Beery

The meeting included presentations from various Regional Advisory Committees, an update on the KWA Operations Committee, and a discussion regarding RAC membership appointments and messages to the KWA. The agenda also featured a data center presentation, a legislative update, and an overview of the State Water Plan Fund budget recommendation process. Additionally, the Board reviewed ex officio agency updates and the Director's report.

The meeting agenda includes RAC member orientation, a discussion on RAC engagement, and Kansas Water Office (KWO) updates. Specific business items involve Hillsdale Watershed Community Permitting Compliance (KDHE), an update on the RAC Membership Drive and Chairmanship, the January 2026 KWA Meeting Update including a Legislative Visit Update, and updates regarding the Water Task Force. The agenda also outlines opportunities for educational events in the region and compiling RAC messages for the Kansas Water Authority (KWA). Supporting materials referenced include the October 2025 Meeting Notes and memos concerning RAC Roles and the Water Program Task Force.

The meeting agenda concentrates on several key areas: RAC Member Orientation, RAC Engagement, and an update regarding changes to the Kansas Basin Water Control Manuals. Further discussion points include an update from the Kansas Water Office and Regional Advisory Committee members. Separate documents reviewed included a memo on RAC Roles and responsibilities from the KWA Chair, and an update on the Water Program Task Force established to study water quantity and quality issues. The Committee also decided to send a message to the Kansas Water Authority expressing gratitude for supporting the Water Injection Dredging (WID) Pilot Demonstration and the hiring of a new Statewide Education & Outreach Coordinator.

This document outlines the purpose and core functions of the State of Kansas Regional Advisory Committees (RACs), which serve as a collaborative advisory body for sustainable water resource management. Key responsibilities of the RACs include advocating for regional needs at the state level, providing structured forums for stakeholder engagement, updating regional goals aligned with the Kansas Water Plan, and facilitating communication between local communities and the Kansas Water Authority. Specific ongoing tasks involve sharing key messages, supporting outreach, and meeting with local political leaders to discuss planning and budget needs. The document also references an agenda for an upcoming Smoky Hill-Saline Regional Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for March 12, 2026, which will include RAC engagement discussion, a tour of the Russell Water Treatment Plant, and member updates. Furthermore, it details discussions from the Round 2 Local Consult 2024 regarding revenue source options for water funding across various regions, including sales taxes, irrigation fees, bonding, and severance taxes, with significant debate on the fairness and impact of imposing fees on agricultural users.

The upcoming meeting is scheduled as a hybrid session, including an in-person component. Key agenda items include the RAC Member Orientation, discussion on RAC Engagement, and updates from the Kansas Water Office (KWO) and the Kansas Water Authority (KWA) concerning regional issues. Specific discussion points from the previous meeting materials related to the FY2027 State Water Plan Fund Budget focused on funding priorities such as feedyard and livestock water reclamation projects, and utilizing flexible funding for unincorporated communities and irrigation technologies. Agency reports from KGS and KDHE were also presented in the notes from the prior meeting.