29 August 2005

Water supply crucial to future of Kansas, Governor says
Sebelius nominates David Pope to Arkansas River Compact Commission

To protect Kansas’ water supply, Governor Sebelius has called upon the chief engineer for water resources to once again serve on the Kansas-Colorado Arkansas River Compact Commission. David Pope was reappointed to serve a four-year term.

“We must continue to protect our water supply. It is the most vital resource for our farmers and ranchers who are committed to feeding America,” Governor Sebelius said. “David’s experience in water resource management and conservation is vital to meeting future challenges.”

Pope, Topeka, has been the chief engineer in the Division of Water Resources for the Kansas Department of Agriculture since 1983. He is responsible for administering laws that relate to the management, conservation, use and control of water and water courses in Kansas. He also represents Kansas’ interests in interstate river compacts with neighboring states. Prior to his tenure at the Department of Agriculture, Pope managed the Groundwater Management District No. 3 in Garden City and was an irrigation engineer for K-State Research and Extension in Riley and Finney Counties.

Currently, Pope represents the state on the Western States Water Council, the State Conversation Commission and the Kansas Water Authority as an ex officio member. He is the state director for the Missouri River Basin Association. He holds a Master of Science from Oklahoma State University, specializing in water resources engineering.

The Kansas-Colorado Arkansas River Compact Commission works to settle existing disputes and remove causes of future controversy between the states of Colorado and Kansas concerning the waters of the Arkansas River and their control, conservation and utilization for irrigation and other beneficial purpose. The commission equitably divides and apportions between the states of Colorado and Kansas the waters of the river and their utilization as well as the benefits arising from the construction, operation and maintenance by the US of John Martin Reservoir Project for water conservation purposes.