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Kansas Water Authority urges using invested funds to buy storage, boosts sediment, aquifer and BMP priorities
Summary
Don Buehler presented the Kansas Water Authority annual report to the House Water Committee, recommending paying off Corps storage debts (Milford and Perry) using $52 million held in treasury bonds so the state secures an estimated $35 million payoff and avoids future interest—and proposing enhanced funding for sediment management, aquifer incentives and technical staffing.
Don Buehler, chair of the Kansas Water Authority, presented the authority’s annual report to the House Committee on Water and urged lawmakers to consider paying off remaining debts on stored water in Milford and Perry Lakes using funds already invested in treasury bonds rather than new general‑fund dollars.
Buehler said the authority recommends paying the estimated April 2026 payoff of about $35 million out of the approximately $52 million held in treasury bonds, which the authority argued would lock state control of stored water without immediately triggering operation‑and‑maintenance costs. "Paying off these debts will lock in Kansas control of the state storage in Milford and Perry Lakes," Buehler said, adding that interest‑rate changes and a written Corps commitment on O&M timing make the present moment advantageous.
Buehler also summarized recommended enhancements to the state water plan fund, including $1.5 million for reservoir sediment management initiatives (hydro‑suction at John Redmond and future sedimentation projects), additional funds for irrigation technology, contamination remediation for orphan sites, nonpoint‑source program support, and added KDHE district technical staff. He said the authority prioritized three top items—reservoir storage security, best‑management practices for water quality, and incentives to physically leave more water in the Ogallala/High Plains aquifer.
Committee members questioned financing details and interest‑rate math; Buehler and Water Office staff explained the invested fund balance was placed in treasury bonds to earn yield while preserving the ability to pay the Corps, and noted a federal contract change that reduced compound interest to simple interest on the indebtedness. Committee discussion emphasized protecting the balance for both stored‑water payoff and future grant needs.
Buehler closed by stressing the statewide significance of reservoir and aquifer work and by encouraging site visits to projects such as the Tuttle Creek demonstration.
Next steps: the report and budget‑enhancement suggestions will inform committee deliberations and potential appropriation or reallocation decisions during the session.
