May 10, 2006

Governor Sebelius acts to protect water supply
Water conservation measure among three bills signed into law

A reliable water supply is crucial to the future of Kansas, so slowing the depletion of aquifers, particularly in the western part of the state, is a priority.

To encourage water conservation, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed a bill that creates a voluntary, incentive-based program for farmers to permanently convert irrigated land to dryland agriculture.

“All of Kansas will benefit from conserving and extending the life of the High Plains aquifer,” said Sebelius. “The aquifer is a limited resource and actions we’re taking to conserve it for future use are not only necessary, but overdue.”

HB 2710, known as the Water Transition Assistance Program (WaterTAP), was conceived in 2002 by the Ogallala Aquifer Management Advisory Committee, which was appointed by the Kansas Water Authority. This pilot program is limited to $1.5 million per year for up to five years.

WaterTAP will be funded by the State Water Plan Fund, a dedicated fund for water resource projects. The fund is financed through fees, fines and transfers from the State General Fund, and the Economic Development Initiatives Fund.

This bill will go into effect upon publication in the statute book.

Governor Sebelius also signed into law two other bills, which will both take effect upon publication in the statute book. During the 2006 Legislative Session, the Governor has signed 176 bills and vetoed two.

Authorizing the establishment and regulation of umbilical cord banks
SB 84 allows KDHE to establish and provide for the operation of umbilical cord banks in Kansas, subject to appropriations and operated in compliance with federal government standards. KDHE will make available education and training materials of the procedures and requirements for collecting and maintaining umbilical cords, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid and placenta donations. The Kansas Bioscience Authority will be authorized to coordinate the use of umbilical cords, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, or placentas, and with KDHE, the Authority will jointly encourage and facilitate the establishment of umbilical cord banks in Kansas.

Creating the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas
HB 3005 establishes Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. The program will provide encouragement, opportunities and incentives for students pursuing a veterinary medicine degree program at KSU to locate their veterinary practice in rural Kansas communities and receive specialized training to meet the needs of livestock producers. Subject to appropriations, the College will be authorized to enter into agreements with up to five first-year veterinary students per year for a loan in the amount of $20,000 per year for not more than four years for tuition, books, supplies and other school expenses, and travel and training expenses incurred by the student. The loan recipient will be required to engage in the full-time practice of veterinary medicine in any county in Kansas which has a population not exceeding 35,000 for a period of one year for each year of assistance provided.