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Minutes for SCR1614 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Supporting Kansas farmers in the Rattlesnake Creek subbasin in their ongoing effort to protect their water rights and livelihood through a collaborative solution to the region's water impairment issue.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 17, 2020
Chairperson Kerschen opened the hearing on SCR1614.
Tamera Lawrence of the Revisor of Statutes Office explained the resolution.It is a resolution to support Kansas farmers and ranchers in the Rattlesnake Sub Basin in their ongoing effort to protect their water rights and livelihood.
Randy Stookey spoke in support of the Resolution. He commended the Kansas Department of Agriculture for working with basic stakeholders to arrive at a solution to provide the Refuge with access to sufficient water and achieve a balance between economic advancement and groundwater conservation stewardship. (Attachment 1)
Nicholas Krehbiel testified as a proponent for the resolution. He believes that the rural portions of our state face an uncertain path forward for future generations. An excessive restriction of the lifeblood of these communities represents another obstacle toward a reasonable path for the more sparsely populated areas of our state.(Attachment 2)
Written proponent testimony was submitted by:
Linda Chadd- Kansas Rattlesnake Basin Cause(Attachment 3)
Josh Roe- Kansas Corn Growers(Attachment 4)
Dean Klahr- Kansas Livestock Association(Attachment 5)
Kent Askren- Kansas Farm Bureau(Attachment 6)
Richard Wenstrom-Water Protection Association of Central Kansas(Attachment 7)
Senator Francisco expressed concern that nothing in the resolution mentioned respecting wildlife in the Rattlesnake Sub Basin.
Senator Taylor said that the resolution speaks to wildlife needs. She wants a resolution that is good for all parties involved, including wildlife
Senator Francisco suggested amending the resolution to include support for wildlife in Kansas along with the support for Kansas farmers and ranchers and substitute the word ensure rather than protect when referencing water rights.
Then Senator Francisco moved and Senator Ware seconded her amendment..
Senator Pyle then moved and Senator Berger seconded a substitute motion for favorable passage of SCR1614. Motion carried. Senators Francisco and Ware asked that their no vote be recorded.
