Governor Kelly Announces Over $26M for Water Projects and Technical Assistance

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office announced Thursday the award winners for the second round of the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 Grant Programs, which provide over $26 million in funding for water projects and technical assistance to communities across Kansas. 

“Water is vital to the livelihood of our communities and Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is a crucial step in addressing pressing water issues to safeguard our water supply for generations to come.” 

In 2023, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 increased the amount of state funding for the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) and created two new water related grant funds: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund. In the first year, 34 municipalities and special districts related to water were rewarded $18 million. 

“The expansion of the State Water Plan to include support for municipalities and water districts continues to be a critical component towards ensuring communities across the state have access to a reliable supply of clean water,” said Senator Kenny Titus, Kansas Senate District 18. 

The grant program received over 300 applications in its first year, and an additional $10 million was provided in 2024 through the Legislature to address the high demand for funding. 

“We are grateful for the Legislature and Governor Kelly for approving this additional funding,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “We received a large number of applications again this year. This funding is necessary to Kansas communities.” 

Over 270 communities applied for the 2024 funding period, requesting a total of $237 million. Thirty-nine technical assistance grants and 24 water projects grants were awarded to 70 communities and special districts related to water. 

“Our small agricultural towns are the lifeblood of our state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, Kansas Senate District 40. “And this funding will help these communities have the clean and affordable water access they need to thrive.” 

A total of $26,287,103 was awarded. 

“I am so pleased to see the list of rural communities and rural water districts across Kansas that have been awarded grants to mitigate their specific water issues,” said Representative Lisa Moser, Kansas House District 106. “Water is the lifeblood of our state. Without it, nothing else matters.”  

See the full list of funded projects at  here.