Sponsored: I Will Help Salina Compete for State and Federal Water Funding

By Jay Vanier, Republican Candidate for Kansas House District 71

Salina residents should not be expected to pay the full cost of replacing decades-old water infrastructure without first pursuing every available state and federal funding source.

Kansas already administers programs that may help communities plan, design and construct drinking-water projects.

One of those programs is the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The program combines state administration with federal funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. It can provide subsidized financing for planning, engineering, design and construction.

This is not necessarily free money. Much of the assistance is provided through loans that must be repaid.

However, favorable financing may allow Salina to complete major projects over time instead of placing the entire cost on residents and utility customers at once.

Another possible source is the Kansas State Water Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Water Office.

Municipalities may apply for assistance involving the construction, repair, replacement and rehabilitation of water infrastructure. A Water Projects Grant may be as large as $8 million, although that does not mean Salina is guaranteed or entitled to receive that amount.

These are competitive programs. Applications must meet state requirements and compete against projects from other Kansas communities.

If elected, I will help Salina compete.

I will work with city officials and state agencies to determine which projects are eligible, what information is required and what steps must be completed before an application can be considered.

I will request briefings from KDHE and the Kansas Water Office. I will ask why projects are ranked where they are, what obstacles remain and what Salina must do to improve its chances of receiving assistance.

I will also support continued state investment in water infrastructure programs.

It does little good to tell cities to apply for assistance if the Legislature fails to adequately fund the programs.

A single representative cannot guarantee that Salina will receive a grant. I will not promise taxpayers money that I do not personally control.

I will promise to fight for Salina’s fair consideration, support responsible infrastructure funding and make sure local projects do not disappear inside a state bureaucracy.

Salina sends tax dollars to Topeka. Our community deserves a representative who will work to bring a fair share of those resources home for essential infrastructure.

Paid for by Jay Vanier for Kansas · Sean Robertson, Treasurer.