Edgerton council approves application to Kansas Water Office for FY2025 water grants

The Edgerton City Council on Aug. 8 authorized city staff to submit applications to the Kansas Water Office (KWO) for FY2025 funding through the State Water Plan Fund. Public Works Director Dan Merkh told council the programs include technical assistance grants (for projects under $1 million) and water projects grants (up to $8 million), and that municipalities with fewer than 2,000 residents are prioritized for full technical assistance awards and up to 90% funding for water projects.

Staff identified three projects they intend to apply for: a Water Master Plan under the technical assistance stream, wastewater system upgrades tied to the Dwyer Sanitary Sewer Extension, and completion of cured‑in‑place pipe (CIPP) lining throughout the downtown area. Merkh said KWO confirmed wastewater projects and those under consideration for SRF loans remain eligible for these grants.

Councilmember Josh Lewis asked whether the city received feedback on why prior FY2024 applications were not selected; Merkh said staff would pursue any available feedback. City Administrator Beth Linn said staff would follow up on the formal feedback process to help future applications.

Councilmember Lewis moved to approve submittal of the applications; Councilmember Deb Lebakken seconded. The motion passed, 4‑0 (Clay Longanecker, Josh Lewis, Deb Lebakken and Ron Conus voting yes; Bill Malloy absent).

If the city receives awards, individual grants and any required match or contract conditions will be brought back to council for specific approvals.